ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has forecasted that Eid ul Fitr in Pakistan for the year 2026 is likely to fall on March 21, based on astronomical data concerning the Shawwal moon.
According to SUPARCO’s calculations, the new moon of Shawwal is expected to be born on March 19 at 6:23 am. By sunset on that day, the moon’s age will be roughly 12 hours and 41 minutes.
The agency further explained that in Pakistan’s coastal regions, the interval between sunset and moonset on March 19 is estimated to be about 28 minutes. Nonetheless, the prospects of spotting the crescent moon during this window are considered low.
Based on these astronomical insights, SUPARCO anticipates that the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH will likely be Saturday, March 21, 2026, suggesting that Eid ul Fitr would be observed on that date across Pakistan.
However, the official announcement regarding the moon sighting will come from the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which is responsible for officially declaring the commencement of Islamic months nationwide.
