Moon Sighting Prediction for Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has predicted that Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 in Pakistan will most likely be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, based on astronomical calculations.

Moon Sighting Chances Low

According to SUPARCO, the chances of seeing the Shawwal moon today, Thursday, March 19, are very low. The moon was born at 6:23 am today, but by sunset, its age will be only about 12 hours and 41 minutes, which is usually too young to be seen with the naked eye.

Along Pakistan’s coastal areas, the difference between sunset and moonset will be around 28 minutes, making it even harder to spot the crescent. Experts say that for a clear sighting, the moon should be at least 20 hours old.

Ramadan Completion and Eid Date

Based on these calculations, Pakistan is expected to complete 30 days of Ramadan, with Eid-ul-Fitr likely falling on March 21. However, the final confirmation will come from the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after reviewing moon sighting reports.

Central and Zonal Committees to Meet

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet in Islamabad today to sight the Shawwal moon and officially announce the date of Eid. The meeting will be chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.

Zonal and District Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will also hold meetings at their respective locations across the country to collect moon sighting testimonies.

Eid in Gulf Countries

The crescent moon was not sighted yesterday in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, which means Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed there on Friday, March 20, 2026.