Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved two official Eid ul Fitr holidays for government offices across Pakistan. The announcement was made through a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Sunday.
According to the official notice, the Eid ul Fitr holidays will be observed on March 20 and March 21. These dates will apply to federal government offices operating on both five-day and six-day work schedules.
The notification states that all government offices will remain closed on Friday and Saturday during the Eid ul Fitr holidays. The decision was approved by the prime minister before being formally communicated by the Cabinet Division.
However, many government employees will enjoy a longer break than the two announced days. March 22 falls on Sunday, which is already a weekly holiday in Pakistan. In addition, March 23 is a public holiday observed nationwide as Pakistan Day.
Because of this schedule, public sector workers are expected to receive a four-day extended break. The long weekend will run from Friday through Monday, combining official holidays, the weekend, and the national holiday.
Officials say the announcement provides clarity for government employees planning their Eid ul Fitr celebrations. Families across the country often travel during the holiday period to visit relatives and take part in traditional gatherings.
Meanwhile, scientific estimates have also been released regarding the likely date of Eid. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) recently shared its prediction for Eid ul Fitr 2026 in Pakistan.
According to SUPARCO, the Shawwal moon is expected to be born on March 19 at 6:23am. By sunset on the same day, the moon will be about 12 hours and 41 minutes old.
Experts say the difference between sunset and moonset in coastal areas may be around 28 minutes on March 19. Despite this window, the chances of sighting the Shawwal crescent that evening are considered low.
Based on these calculations, SUPARCO expects the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH to likely fall on March 21, 2026. This means Eid ul Fitr may be observed on that date across Pakistan.
However, officials emphasize that astronomical predictions are not the final decision. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will make the official announcement after reviewing moon sighting reports.
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The committee is responsible for confirming the start of Islamic months in Pakistan. Its decision will determine the exact date when Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated nationwide.
