The wait for Eid is almost over, and Pakistan’s space agency has now given the nation a clear picture of when the most joyful day of the Islamic calendar is likely to arrive this year.
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has officially forecast that Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on March 21, as the chances of sighting the Shawwal moon on March 19 remain low.
The new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 PST. At the time of sunset on March 19, the age of the new moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes, with an estimated 28-minute interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt.
For a crescent to be visible to the naked eye, a longer duration and greater altitude are typically required. Consequently, experts believe there is a very low probability of sighting the moon on the evening of Thursday, March 19.
As a result, Ramadan is expected to last for the full 30 days, with Eid ul Fitr being celebrated the following day on Saturday, March 21.
Pakistan began the first fast of Ramadan 2026 on February 19, following the official crescent moon sighting announcement by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad.
However, the official announcement regarding the moon sighting will come from the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which is solely responsible for officially declaring the commencement of Islamic months nationwide.
As Pakistan counts down the final days of this blessed Ramadan, families across the country are already busy preparing their Eid outfits, planning gatherings, and making sweets.
