The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on March 19 to sight the Shawwal moon, which determines the date of Eid-ul-Fitr.
However, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has predicted that the crescent is unlikely to be visible that evening, making March 21 the likely day for Eid in Pakistan.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has convened a meeting in Islamabad on March 19 to observe the Shawwal moon. The meeting will be chaired by Chairman Abdul Khabir Azad, with scholars from all schools of thought and representatives of relevant institutions expected to attend.
During the session, the committee will review evidence from across the country before announcing the official start of Shawwal and the date of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee remains the only authorized body in Pakistan responsible for announcing the beginning of Islamic months.
Low chances of moon sighting
According to Suparco, the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH will appear at 6:23am on March 19. Astronomical calculations indicate that the age of the moon at sunset on March 19 will be about 12 hours and 41 minutes.
In coastal regions of Pakistan, the difference between sunset and moonset is expected to be approximately 28 minutes, which is generally considered insufficient for clear visibility of the crescent.
Based on these astronomical factors, Suparco says the chances of sighting the Shawwal moon on the evening of March 19 are low.
Eid-ul-Fitr likely on March 21
Due to the predicted low visibility of the crescent, Suparco has indicated that the first of Shawwal 1447 AH is likely to fall on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
If the moon is not sighted on March 19, Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on March 21 in Pakistan.
However, officials stress that the final announcement regarding the Shawwal moon sighting will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after examining testimonies and evidence from across the country.
While astronomical predictions provide guidance, the official declaration of Eid-ul-Fitr depends on confirmed moon sighting reports reviewed during the committee’s meeting.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will evaluate all evidence on March 19 in Islamabad before issuing the formal announcement for the beginning of Shawwal and the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.
