The Secretary General of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has indicated that Eid ul Fitr 2026 is expected to fall on March 21, as the Shawwal moon is unlikely to be sighted on March 19.

According to officials, astronomical data shows that the crescent moon will not be visible on Thursday evening, making it highly unlikely for Eid to be announced the next day.

Key astronomical insights include:

-         The Shawwal moon will be born on March 19, 2026 at 06:23 PST

-         At sunset, the moon’s age will be only 12 to 13 hours

-         Minimum visibility usually requires at least 19 hours

-         Moonset will occur just 26 to 30 minutes after sunset

-         Standard visibility needs around 40 minutes difference

-         Experts say these conditions make naked-eye sighting nearly impossible across Pakistan.

With the moon not expected to be sighted, Ramazan 1447 AH will complete 30 days, following Islamic tradition. As a result, Shawwal 1 is likely to begin on Saturday, March 21, 2026, meaning Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated nationwide on that day.

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However, authorities stressed that the final announcement will be made after the official meeting of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee.

The committee, along with zonal bodies, will convene on the evening of March 19 (29 Ramazan) to review moon sighting reports from across the country.

Despite strong astronomical predictions, Pakistan will follow traditional moon sighting practices before confirming Eid officially.