The Government of Pakistan has announced the expected holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr 2026, with the final dates depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon. Authorities clarified that the official schedule will be confirmed after the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee makes its announcement.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is set to meet on March 19, 2026, which marks the 29th day of Ramadan, to observe the moon and determine the start of the month of Shawwal. If the moon is sighted on that evening and Ramadan completes 29 days, Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to be celebrated from March 20 to March 22, running from Friday to Sunday.
However, if the moon is not sighted on March 19 and Ramadan completes 30 days, Shawwal will begin on March 21. In that case, the expected holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr will fall from March 21 to March 23, covering Saturday through Monday. The variation in dates depends entirely on the lunar observation.
According to the federal government’s public holidays calendar for 2026, Eid holidays have been tentatively scheduled for March 21, 22, and 23, subject to the moon sighting decision. Officials noted that an earlier confirmation of the moon would shift the holidays forward to March 20, 21, and 22 instead.
The announcement highlights that all arrangements remain provisional until the official moon sighting results are declared. Businesses, schools, and public institutions are expected to adjust their schedules accordingly once the final decision regarding Eid-ul-Fitr is made.
Authorities will release the confirmed dates after the committee formally announces the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
Also Read: Expected Dates for Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha Revealed
