Pakistan’s Meteorological Department predicts the Eid moon will not be visible on March 19. Officials say Ramadan will likely complete 30 days this year. As a result, Muslims across Pakistan may celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on March 21.
Deputy Director of the Meteorological Department Anjum Nazir shared the forecast before the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting. The committee will meet in Islamabad on March 19 to review moon sighting reports. However, meteorological experts believe the crescent will remain invisible across most parts of the country that evening.
Read more: Eid ul Fitr 2026 dates confirmed: Pakistan looks forward to festive
According to officials, the moon will be born at 6:23am Pakistan time on March 19. By sunset that day, the moon’s age will be about 12 hours and a few minutes. Experts say a crescent generally requires more than 14 hours of age for possible visibility.
Nazir explained that a 12-hour-old moon cannot be seen scientifically with the naked eye. Even telescopes may struggle to detect such a young crescent in the sky. Therefore, experts say the chances of sighting the Eid moon that evening remain extremely low.
Read more: Eid-ul-Fitr 2026: New notes distribution guide
Based on current astronomical calculations, Ramadan is expected to complete 30 days this year. Consequently, the first day of Shawwal may fall on Saturday, March 21. However, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will make the final official announcement after reviewing evidence.