ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has officially announced that the Shawwal moon is expected to occur on March 29, with its sighting likely to take place on March 30. As a result, Eid ul Fitr is anticipated to fall on Monday, March 31.
Scientific Predictions for Shawwal Moon
According to Suparco’s detailed astronomical calculations, the new moon, marking the beginning of Shawwal, will occur at precisely 3:58 PM on March 29. The moon’s visibility, however, depends on a range of factors, including its age, separation from the sun, altitude at sunset, and prevailing atmospheric conditions.
“Based on our models, the chances of sighting the crescent are extremely low in Saudi Arabia on March 29. Therefore, the first day of Eid ul Fitr is also expected to be on March 31 in Pakistan,” stated a representative of Suparco.
Coordination with Other Predictions
This prediction aligns with the forecasts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), which has also stated that Eid will likely fall on March 31. Additionally, the federal government has confirmed the public holidays for Eid, with three days off from March 31 to April 2, as announced by the Cabinet Division.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to meet on Sunday evening to officially sight the Shawwal moon. The committee’s gathering will take place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, where final confirmation of the moon sighting will occur.
As millions of Muslims in Pakistan prepare to mark the end of Ramadan, the official announcement regarding Eid is eagerly awaited, with celebrations expected to begin on March 31.
