The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a fresh update about Eid ul Fitr 2026. Officials say the Shawwal moon is unlikely to appear on the evening of March 19.
This date marks the 29th fast of Ramazan. If the crescent does not show up, the month will complete 30 days before Eid ul Fitr begins.
According to the Met Office, the new moon will be born at 6:23am Pakistan Standard Time on March 19. However, experts say the moon will be too young at sunset.
At observatories across the country, its age will range between 12 and 13 hours. Because of this short age, moon visibility will remain weak.
Astronomers explain that a crescent must reach a certain height and brightness before people can see it. On this evening, those conditions will not develop.
As a result, the chances of crescent sighting are almost zero. Even clear skies may not improve visibility.
If the moon remains unseen, Ramazan will complete 30 days. In that case, Eid ul Fitr 2026 is expected to fall on March 21 instead of March 20.
Still, the final decision will come from the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. The committee will review moon sighting reports from across Pakistan before confirming Eid ul Fitr.
For now, meteorologists say people should prepare for one more fast. The official announcement about Eid ul Fitr will follow after proper review.
