Despite the official announcement by Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee declaring Eid ul Fitr on March 21, several districts and areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are observing Eid today (Friday, March 20), creating a divided festive timeline.
According to multiple reports, announcements for Eid prayers were made in local mosques across various regions, where residents chose to celebrate based on local moon sighting claims.
Districts Observing Eid on March 20
Eid ul Fitr is being celebrated today in several districts and localities, including:
- Mardan and adjoining areas
- Bannu
- Bajaur
- Suburban areas of Peshawar such as Hayatabad and Sufaid Sang
In these regions, local mosque announcements confirmed Eid celebrations after reports of moon sighting from witnesses.
Also Read: Eid ul Fitr 2026 celebrations begin in Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries
Official Announcement vs Local Decisions
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee had earlier announced at around 8:30 PM that Eid ul Fitr would be observed nationwide on Saturday, March 21, following the completion of 30 fasts.
Meanwhile, a local moon sighting committee meeting continued until late night, where testimonies of moon sighting were received from different areas. However, Acting Chairman Maulana Khairul Bashar reviewed the evidence and declared those testimonies as non-Sharia compliant.
Despite this, some areas—particularly in Mardan and nearby regions—accepted local witness accounts and proceeded to announce Eid independently.
Zonal Committee Reports and Witness Testimonies
The zonal Ruet-e-Hilal committee reportedly received six testimonies regarding moon sighting:
- One witness appeared in person
- Five testimonies were received via phone
These reports were forwarded to the central committee, but they were not officially accepted. Nonetheless, certain communities relied on these local testimonies to determine their Eid date.
Saudi Arabia Alignment in Some Areas
It is important to note that some localities in Peshawar traditionally follow Saudi Arabia for moon sighting and Eid observance. In these areas, Eid is often celebrated in alignment with Saudi announcements, which also contributed to Friday celebrations.
The variation in Eid ul Fitr observance across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlights ongoing differences in moon sighting practices in Pakistan. While the official date remains March 21, localized celebrations continue to reflect regional traditions and interpretations.
