Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced an important relief measure for government employees ahead of Eid celebrations. The government has decided that salaries for March will be paid before the start of the Eid holidays.
According to reports, the prime minister directed all federal departments to release salaries early. The step aims to help employees manage expenses during Eid ul Fitr, when families usually prepare for celebrations and gatherings.
Following the instructions, federal ministries and government institutions have started the process of releasing funds. Officials say the early payments will ensure employees receive their salaries before the Eid holidays begin.
The government has also officially announced the Eid ul Fitr holidays for federal offices. According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division Pakistan, the holidays will be observed on March 20 and March 21.
The notification states that government offices working on both five-day and six-day schedules will remain closed on these days. These closures will allow employees to celebrate Eid with their families.
However, the holiday period may become longer for many workers. March 22 falls on Sunday, while March 23 is already a national public holiday in Pakistan.
As a result, government employees could enjoy a four-day break from Friday to Monday. The extended holiday gives workers more time to celebrate Eid ul Fitr and participate in family gatherings.
Officials say the announcement was made early so employees can plan their holiday activities. Many families travel during Eid, making advance planning important.
Meanwhile, the expected date for Eid ul Fitr in Pakistan has also been discussed by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, commonly known as SUPARCO.
According to the agency’s astronomical calculations, the Shawwal moon is expected to be born on March 19 at 6:23am. By sunset that day, the moon’s age will be about 12 hours and 41 minutes.
SUPARCO explained that the difference between sunset and moonset along coastal areas may be around 28 minutes. Despite this window, the chances of seeing the moon on March 19 are considered low.
Based on these estimates, the agency expects Eid ul Fitr to likely fall on March 21, 2026. However, the final confirmation will come from the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
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Authorities say the committee will review moon sighting reports from across the country before officially announcing the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
