Shawwal Moon not sighted, Eidul Fitr to be celebrated on March 21

By Our Correspondent 

ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee announced on Thursday that the Shawwal moon had not been sighted, confirming that Eidul Fitr will be observed on Saturday, March 21.

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Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad made the announcement during a press conference in Islamabad, following meetings of the central, zonal, and district moon-sighting committees.

He stated that while some areas of the country had clear skies, most regions were cloudy, and no moon sighting reports had been received from any part of Pakistan.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony issued a notification confirming that the Shawwal moon had not been sighted, and that the first day of Shawwal would fall on Saturday, March 21.

It is noted that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will observe Eidul Fitr on Friday, March 20.

Last week, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) had forecast that Eidul Fitr would likely fall on March 21, citing low chances of sighting the Shawwal moon on Friday, March 19.

Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department also predicted that Ramadan would likely complete 30 days this year, as the Shawwal moon was not expected to be visible on March 19.