The anticipation for Eid ul Fitr in Peshawar, as well as across Pakistan, was high as the holy month of Ramadan approached its conclusion. Traditionally, the sighting of the Shawwal moon signals the end of fasting and the commencement of Eid celebrations. Families prepare for this significant occasion with great enthusiasm, planning gatherings, meals, and prayers. However, this year, the expectations were met with a notable shift in circumstances.

On March 21, 2026, Pakistan will officially celebrate Eid ul Fitr, as the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed that the Shawwal moon was not sighted. Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, the committee’s chairman, stated, “No verified sighting of the Shawwal moon was received from anywhere in Pakistan.” This announcement came after the Peshawar zonal committee reported six testimonies for crescent sightings, none of which were verified, leading to a unified decision regarding the Eid date.

The decision to celebrate Eid on March 21 follows the completion of 30 days of Ramadan, which began with the first fast observed on February 19, 2026. This year, the absence of a moon sighting has shifted the focus from traditional observances to logistical preparations for the holiday. The lack of confirmed sightings has left many families adjusting their plans, as the festive spirit remains intact despite the uncertainty surrounding the moon’s visibility.

In response to the increased travel demand during the Eid period, Pakistan Railways has announced the introduction of four special trains to facilitate passenger movement. These trains will connect major routes, including Karachi-Peshawar and Quetta-Rawalpindi, with the Karachi-Peshawar train scheduled to depart at 19:00 hrs and arrive in Rawalpindi at 13:15 hrs. Muneeba Mumtaz, a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways, noted, “The special trains were introduced under the directives of Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi to accommodate the increased rush of passengers during Eid days.”

However, the announcement of special trains comes with a caveat: fares have increased by 5% in economy class and 10% in business class for the Eid period. This change has raised concerns among travelers, especially those who rely on rail transport for their Eid journeys. The adjustments in pricing are a reflection of the heightened demand for travel during this festive season.

Safety measures have also been prioritized by railway authorities to ensure passenger security during the Eid rush. With the anticipated influx of travelers, additional precautions are being implemented at major stations, including Rawalpindi, where Wi-Fi facilities have been made available to enhance the travel experience. These measures aim to provide a smoother journey for those celebrating Eid across the country.

As the date approaches, the significance of Eid ul Fitr remains paramount for the people of Peshawar and beyond. It is a time for community, family, and reflection, marking the end of a month dedicated to fasting and prayer. Despite the logistical challenges posed by the moon sighting announcement, the spirit of Eid continues to resonate, reminding everyone of the values of unity and celebration.

In summary, while the lack of a moon sighting has altered the expectations surrounding Eid ul Fitr in Peshawar, the preparations for travel and festivities are underway. The announcements from the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and Pakistan Railways highlight the ongoing adjustments made to accommodate the needs of the public during this important time. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further changes as the celebrations draw near.

The post Peshawar Eid Celebrations Set for March 21, 2026 appeared first on 1News.

On March 9, 2026, significant changes were announced regarding the operations of Pakistan Railways, particularly in its freight sector. The railway authority has initiated the outsourcing of its commercial operations, including passenger trains and luggage and brake vans, through open auctions. This move is seen as a step towards increasing efficiency and transparency in operations.

Background and Current State

Pakistan Railways has been under pressure from stakeholders in the freight sector to privatize its freight operations. The call for privatization is driven by the need to enhance operational efficiency and revenue generation. In the fiscal year 2024–25, Pakistan Railways reported a total revenue of Rs93 billion, with freight operations contributing over Rs31 billion. This indicates the vital role that freight services play in the overall financial health of the organization.

Financial Performance and Future Expectations

Passenger services also played a significant role, contributing approximately Rs47 billion to the total revenue during the same fiscal year. Looking ahead, Pakistan Railways anticipates a total revenue of Rs100 billion for the fiscal year 2025–26, highlighting the importance of both passenger and freight operations in achieving this target.

Coal Transport and Revenue Generation

One of the key revenue streams for Pakistan Railways is the Karachi-Yousafwala (Sahiwal) coal train operation, which generates around Rs9 billion annually. The use of high-capacity ZBKC series wagons, capable of carrying approximately 60 tons each, has been instrumental in transporting bulk commodities like coal efficiently.

Comparative Analysis with Indian Railways

In comparison, Indian Railways reported freight earnings of approximately INR 1.75 lakh crore (over $20 billion) in the fiscal year 2024–25. This stark contrast underscores the potential for growth in Pakistan’s freight operations if privatization and efficiency measures are effectively implemented.

Stakeholder Perspectives