The federal government of Pakistan has officially announced public holidays for Eid ul Fitr 2026, allowing citizens across the country to celebrate the end of Ramadan with family and loved ones.
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, 2026, as public holidays for the occasion of Eid ul Fitr. The holidays will apply to government offices and institutions observing both five-day and six-day working weeks.
The announcement enables public and private sector employees to prepare for one of the most important Islamic festivals, which marks the end of the holy month of fasting.
Eid expected on March 21
Experts believe Eid ul Fitr is likely to be observed on March 21, 2026, assuming Ramadan completes the full 30 days.
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has released astronomical calculations regarding the appearance of the Shawwal moon.
According to SUPARCO, “The new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 PST.”
The agency further explained that by sunset on March 19 the moon would be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes old, with an estimated 28-minute gap between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal regions.
However, the final confirmation of Eid will depend on the official moon sighting announcement.
Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to make final decision
Despite the astronomical predictions, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will make the official announcement after evaluating moon sightings across the country.
The committee traditionally meets on the evening of the 29th day of Ramadan to receive testimony from various regions regarding the sighting of the Shawwal crescent.
If the moon is sighted on March 19, Eid will fall on March 20. If not, Ramadan will complete 30 days and Eid will be celebrated on March 21.
Moon sighting remains an important religious and cultural tradition in Pakistan, where the announcement is closely followed by millions of citizens.
Travel preparations begin across the country
With the Eid holidays approaching, preparations for travel and celebrations have already started nationwide. Public transport services are experiencing increasing demand as people plan trips to their hometowns.
To facilitate travellers during the festive season, Pakistan Railways has announced the operation of four special Eid trains on major routes across the country.
According to railway officials, the special trains will operate between cities including Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Rawalpindi and Peshawar, helping accommodate the surge in passenger traffic during the holiday period.
Authorities say the additional train services aim to ensure safe, timely and convenient travel for passengers heading home for Eid celebrations.
Eid preparations underway
Eid ul Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide. The festival is celebrated with congregational prayers, charity, family gatherings and festive meals.
Markets across Pakistan usually witness a sharp rise in shopping activity during the final days of Ramadan, with people purchasing clothes, gifts and food items in preparation for the holiday.
The government’s announcement of Eid holidays helps businesses, travellers and families plan their schedules ahead of the celebrations.
