Pakistan has some very good news to celebrate as Ramadan enters its final days. The government has officially announced four consecutive public holidays on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr 2026, giving the entire nation a long and joyful break to celebrate the most awaited day of the Islamic year.
The government issued an official notification declaring March 20 and 21 as public holidays across the country. According to the notification issued by the Cabinet Division, all government offices will remain closed on March 20 and 21, Friday and Saturday. The holidays will apply to public institutions operating under both five-day and six-day working weeks. March 22, Sunday, will remain a regular weekly holiday, while March 23, Monday, will already be observed as a nationwide public holiday to mark Pakistan Day.
This perfect alignment of dates means that for most Pakistani families, government employees, students, and office workers, the holiday stretch runs from Thursday evening right through to Monday night. Four full days of Eid celebrations, family gatherings, Eidi, special meals and the joy of being together with loved ones.
Experts have suggested that Eid ul Fitr is likely to fall on March 21, with Pakistan expected to complete a full 30-day month of Ramadan this year. SUPARCO confirmed that the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026 at 6:23 AM Pakistan Standard Time, making it just 12 hours and 41 minutes old by sunset, which is far too young to be seen with the naked eye.
The extended holidays are expected to significantly increase travel activities, as millions of people plan to visit their hometowns and family members. The four-day break reflects the government’s effort to ensure that people can celebrate Eid with full comfort and peace, a festival that marks the completion of a month of fasting, devotion, generosity and spiritual reflection.
The final decision regarding the sighting of the Shawwal crescent and the commencement of Eid ul Fitr 1447 AH will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan, the sole competent authority to announce the beginning of Islamic months based on credible witness testimonies and verified observations from across the country.
