Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an astronomical forecast indicating that Eid ul Fitr 2026 is likely to be observed a day later, as the Shawwal moon is not expected to be visible on the first potential sighting evening.
According to the Met Office’s detailed analysis, the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH will be born at 6:23 pm on March 19, 2026.
However, meteorologists note that by sunset on the same day — which corresponds to 29th Ramadan — the moon’s age across Pakistan will be only 12 to 13 hours, a duration generally considered insufficient for naked-eye visibility.
Shawwal Crescent Visibility Ruled Out on March 19
Based on astronomical parameters, the PMD has stated that there is no possibility of sighting the Shawwal crescent on the evening of March 19, 2026. If this assessment remains accurate, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid ul Fitr will likely be observed after the next evening’s moon sighting attempt.
Experts explain that crescent visibility depends on multiple factors, including the moon’s age, altitude at sunset, angular separation from the sun, and atmospheric conditions — all of which are expected to be unfavorable on the first sighting evening.
Astronomical Forecast vs Official Announcement
The PMD clarified that its forecast is based purely on astronomical calculations. The final and official announcement regarding the start of Shawwal and Eid al-Fitr will be made by Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which relies on both scientific data and verified moon sighting testimonies.
Ramadan 2026 Timeline in Pakistan
It is worth noting that Ramadan in Pakistan began after the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed the moon sighting on February 18, 2026, with the first fast observed on February 19 across the country.
If the Shawwal crescent remains unseen on March 19, Eid ul Fitr would most likely fall one day later than initially expected, pending confirmation by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
