If the Shawwal moon is sighted on March 30, Eid al-Fitr will fall on Monday, March 31, granting Pakistanis an extended holiday period that includes Saturday and Sunday.

This would allow many citizens to enjoy a five-day break, as the government has already declared a three-day official holiday from March 31 to April 2 (Monday to Wednesday). However, for those who do not have Saturday off, the holiday period will still extend to four days.

According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Secretariat, the government has approved the public holidays for Eid al-Fitr, ensuring time for celebrations and family gatherings.

Meanwhile, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene on Sunday evening, March 30, to sight the Shawwal moon. The committee’s meeting, set to take place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, will be attended by religious scholars, meteorological experts, and relevant authorities. Their findings will determine the official date of Eid in the country.

Scientific predictions also suggest that Eid al-Fitr is likely to be observed on March 31.

Earlier, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) forecasted that the moon would be visible on the evening of March 30, making Monday the first day of Shawwal.

The research centre issued its prediction for the visibility of the Shawwal 1446 AH Crescent “based on scientific assessments, astronomical calculations, and modern observational data”.

“Given these scientific parameters, the likelihood of moon sighting on 30 March 2025 in Pakistan is very bright. Consequently, Ramazan is expected to complete 29 days, and the first day of Eid al-Fitr will likely be observed on 31 March 2025,” it said.

According to precise astronomical models, the new Moon (conjunction) for Shawwal will occur on March 29, 2025, at 15:58PST.

However, the visibility of the crescent depends on key factors such as the moon’s age, its angular separation from the sun, altitude at sunset, and atmospheric conditions.

In Saudi Arabia, chances of sighting the moon are almost impossible on March 29, 2025, as the age of the crescent at the time of sunset in Makkah would be approximately 5 hours. In this regard, the crescent is expected to be visible on March 30, 2025 in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, and they are also likely celebrate Eid on March 31, 2025.

If these predictions hold, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries are expected to celebrate Eid on the same day, ensuring a unified observance of the festival across the region.

In a related development, the Punjab government has announced a nine-day holiday for schools, starting from March 28.

Government and private schools will remain closed during this period, allowing students and teachers to participate fully in Eid festivities. Schools are scheduled to reopen on April 7, while annual results will be declared on April 4.

This extended break not only gives students time to celebrate with their families but also provides an opportunity for travel and recreation.

With the possibility of a five-day public holiday for many workers, domestic tourism and business activities related to Eid shopping and travel are expected to see a significant boost.

As the nation awaits the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s final decision, meteorological data and astronomical assessments strongly indicate that Eid celebrations will commence on March 31, potentially bringing an extended break for citizens to mark the occasion with their loved ones.