ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Sunday announced public holidays on the occasion of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division of Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared March 20 and March 21 (Friday and Saturday) as public holidays for government offices observing both five- and six-day working weeks.
As Sunday, March 22 falls on the weekly holiday and Monday, March 23 will be observed as Pakistan Day, the announcement is set to provide citizens with a four-day long weekend.
Meanwhile, reports suggested that Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to fall on March 21, as Pakistanis are expected to complete 30 days of Ramazan this year. In a statement, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) said the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 PST.
At sunset on March 19, the moon’s age is expected to be about 12 hours and 41 minutes, with an estimated 28-minute gap between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt, the statement added. However, Suparco noted that the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will make the final decision regarding the sighting of the Shawwal crescent and the official announcement of Eid-ul-Fitr in the country.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026