Pakistan is likely to celebrate Eidul Adha 2026 on Wednesday, May 27, according to a new scientific prediction by the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council.
The council has released its forecast regarding the moon sighting for Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH. The report suggests there is a strong chance that Eidul Adha 2026 will be observed on the expected date if weather conditions remain clear.
The council’s Secretary General, Khalid Ijaz Mufti, said scientific data supports the possibility of moon sighting on May 17. He explained that the new moon will be born at 1:15am Pakistan time during the night of May 16 and 17.
By sunset on May 17, the moon will be more than 18 hours old in most areas of Pakistan. Experts say this age is enough for the moon to be seen with the naked eye. This makes the expected date of Eidul Adha 2026 more likely.
According to the report, the moon will remain visible after sunset for a reasonable period. In Karachi, the moon is expected to set around 55 minutes after sunset. In Peshawar, it may remain visible for up to 63 minutes.
If the moon is sighted on the evening of May 17, then May 18 will be the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah. In that case, Eidul Adha 2026 will fall on May 27.
The council also said there is a possibility that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia may celebrate the festival on the same day this year. This would depend on moon visibility in both countries.
However, officials noted that weather conditions could affect moon sighting. If clouds prevent visibility on May 17, the Islamic month of Dhu al-Qi’dah will complete 30 days. In that case, Eid may be observed on Thursday, May 28.
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The final announcement for Eidul Adha 2026 will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after its official meeting and moon sighting reports.
