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.

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Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated in Pakistan on March 21, 2026, as confirmed by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. The committee stated that it received no credible testimony of the Shawwal moon sighting, which is essential for determining the end of Ramadan.

The first fast in Pakistan was observed on February 19, 2026, marking the beginning of a 30-day period of fasting and reflection for Muslims. On March 19, 2026, the moon’s age in Islamabad was only 12 hours and 23 minutes, with sunset occurring at 6:22 PM. The expected time for moon visibility was 6:51 PM, but the crescent moon was not sighted.

Despite the RHC zonal committee in Peshawar recording a total of six testimonies for crescent sightings, meteorologists deemed the visibility of the crescent moon unlikely. This uncertainty in moon sighting is not unique to Pakistan; the Shawwal moon was also not sighted in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia.

India and Indonesia are expected to celebrate Eid ul Fitr on the same date, March 21, 2026. This synchronization of celebrations across countries highlights the communal aspect of the festival, which marks the end of Ramadan according to the Muslim lunar calendar.

Historically, Eid ul Fitr is a significant event in the Islamic calendar, celebrated with prayers, feasting, and community gatherings. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of charity and gratitude.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional sightings or announcements from other regions. Observers are keenly awaiting updates as the date approaches, ensuring that the celebration aligns with the sighting of the moon.

The post Geo News Live: Eid ul Fitr to be Celebrated in Pakistan on March 21, 2026 appeared first on 1News.

A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court seeking an early announcement regarding the Shawwal moon sighting. The new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 PST, with the moon being approximately 12 hours old at sunset that evening.

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Public holidays have been declared across various provinces for the occasion. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced three public holidays on March 19, 20, and 21, 2026. Meanwhile, the Sindh government has declared March 20 and 21 as public holidays, and the federal government has also recognized these two days for Eid ul Fitr celebrations.

As part of the Eid festivities, Zakat al Fitr, a charitable donation required from every adult Muslim who has the financial means, is set at 2.5 kilograms of staple food or a cash equivalent of Dh25 (approximately $7) per person. This form of charity has taken on renewed urgency during Ramadan, particularly due to ongoing economic uncertainties and global conflicts.

Zakat al Fitr must be paid after the Fajr prayer on the day of Eid and before the Eid prayer begins, ensuring that those in need can benefit from the donations during the festive period. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is the sole authority responsible for announcing the beginning of Islamic months, including the commencement of Eid ul Fitr.

As the date approaches, observers remain attentive to the moon sighting and the final confirmation of the Eid date. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact sighting of the crescent moon, which will determine the start of the celebrations.

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