Government Notification Confirms Dates
The federal government of Pakistan has officially announced public holidays for Eid ul Fitr 2026. According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Sunday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, 2026, will be observed as holidays nationwide.
The announcement follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s declaration, with the holidays applying to all offices, including those observing five-day and six-day working weeks.
Astronomical Predictions and Moon Sighting
Experts anticipate that Eid ul Fitr will likely fall on March 21, 2026, based on a projected 30-day Ramadan. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) provided detailed astronomical data, stating the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 PST.
Suparco noted that at sunset on March 19, the moon’s age will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes, with a 28-minute interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt. However, the final decision regarding the crescent sighting and Eid commencement rests with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan.
Special Train Services for Eid Travel
In preparation for the festive season, Pakistan Railways has announced the operation of four special trains to facilitate passenger travel across the country. The schedule is as follows:
- The first special train will depart from Lahore to Karachi on March 16.
- The second train will leave Quetta for Rawalpindi on March 17.
- The third train will operate from Karachi to Peshawar on March 17.
- The fourth train will run from Karachi to Lahore on March 18.
A Pakistan Railways spokesperson stated these measures aim to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic and ensure safe, timely, and convenient travel during the holiday period, reflecting the department’s commitment to public service.
