ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) on Wednesday predicted that the Eid ul Fitr 2026 moon is unlikely to be seen on March 19, meaning that Eid will fall on March 21.
As per details, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on March 19 to sight the Shawwal moon, which determines the date of Eid ul Fitr.
The Suparco, however, said that the chances of sighting the Shawwal moon on March 19 remain low, adding that the new moon was expected to be born on March 19 at 6:23 am.
The statement added, “At the time of sunset on March 19, 2026, the age of the new moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes, with an estimated 28-minute interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt.”
Eid ul Fitr expected date
The commission further added that, based on these astronomical parameters, the “chances of sighting the Shawwal crescent on the evening of March 19, 2026, are low.”
“Consequently, 1st Shawwal 1447 AH is anticipated to fall on Saturday, March 21, 2026, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramazan,” it added.
Furthermore, the Suparco continued that the final decision regarding the sighting of the Shawwal crescent and the commencement of Eid ul Fitr will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
PMD predicts Eid ul Fitr 2026 date
Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) also predicted that the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is unlikely to be sighted on March 19, 2026, and Eid ul Fitr 2026 is expected to be observed on March 21.
In a statement, the Met Office said that the moon of Shawwal will be born on March 19 at 6:23 PST, adding that the crescent is expected to be visible on March 20, 3oth Ramzan 1447 AH.
At the time of sunset, the moon’s age at most meteorological observatories will be between 12 and 13 hours, which, according to the PMD, is not favourable for moon sighting.
“As per astronomical analysis, there is No Chance of sighting the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH on the evening of 19-03-2026 (i.e., on 29th Ramzan 1447 AH),” the Met Office said.
The department said the prediction is based on astronomical analysis.
