Eidul Fitr likely on 31st in Pakistan: Suparco

Endorsing the earlier prediction made by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has forecast for the Shawwal moon sighting.

It may be remembered that several factors including the moon’s age, altitude at sunset, angular separation from the sun and atmospheric conditions determine the visibility of the Shawwal moon’s crescent.

Suparco predicted that on March 30, the moon’s age at sunset will approximately be 27 hours and the moon-sun angular separation will be about 16 degrees. 

It further said that the moon’s altitude at sunset will be around 14 degrees and illumination 2 per cent.

It said that the crescent will be easily visible with the naked eye.

Keeping in view the said scientific metrics, the moon will be visible to the naked eye on March 30 and the Eidul Fitr will be celebrated across Pakistan on March 31.

In Saudi Arabia, there is no possibility of Shawwal moon visibility on March 29, as the moon’s crescent at sunset would be around 5 hours in Makkah.

The moon in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East is expected to be visible on March 30 and the Eidul Fitr will be celebrated in the region on March 31.