Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee convened today to sight the Shawwal moon and determine the official date of Eid ul Fitr across the nation. Chaired by Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad, the meeting took place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Islamabad. Representatives from the Pakistan Meteorological Department and scholars from all Islamic schools of thought participated in the proceedings. Zonal committees simultaneously held meetings in cities nationwide to collect moon-sighting testimonies from citizens. The central committee will announce its final decision based on evidence submitted from across the country.

Astronomical predictions suggest the Shawwal moon was unlikely to be visible on Thursday evening. Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission calculated the moon’s age at approximately twelve hours and forty-one minutes at sunset. In coastal regions, the time difference between sunset and moonset was expected to be only twenty-eight minutes. This insufficient window generally prevents clear visibility of the lunar crescent. Scientists therefore predicted that Ramadan would complete thirty days, with Eid falling on Saturday, March 21.

Regional developments indicate varying outcomes across Islamic nations. Saudi Arabia announced that the Shawwal moon was not sighted and confirmed Eid ul Fitr celebrations will occur on Friday. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar similarly declared Friday, March 20 as their Eid date. Afghanistan, however, reported successful moon sightings in multiple provinces and began celebrating Eid today. These differing announcements reflect each nation’s independent religious authority procedures.

The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee remains Pakistan’s sole authorized body for announcing Islamic month beginnings. Its decisions carry nationwide religious and administrative significance. Government institutions, businesses, and schools await the official announcement to implement holiday schedules. The committee’s announcement will likely come later today following comprehensive review of all submitted testimonies.

Citizens have been advised to follow official channels for confirmed Eid announcements. The State Bank of Pakistan has already announced four-day bank holidays beginning with Eid celebrations. Educational institutions and government offices will remain closed during the designated holiday period. Religious scholars emphasized the importance of following the central committee’s decision for nationwide Islamic calendar coordination.