Pakistan’s space agency predicts Eid al-Fitr for March 31

Pakistan’s space agency, the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), has forecast the sighting of the Shawwal moon on March 30, with Eid al-Fitr likely to be observed on March 31, 2025.

SUPARCO spokesperson Maria Tariq stated that scientific research, astronomical calculations, and observational data indicate a strong possibility of crescent visibility across Pakistan on the evening of March 30. This would mark the conclusion of Ramazan after 29 days, and Eid al-Fitr would be celebrated the following day.

According to SUPARCO’s calculations, the new Moon (conjunction) for Shawwal 1446 AH will occur on March 29 at 15:58 PST. However, the visibility of the crescent depends on several factors, including its age, angular separation from the sun, altitude at sunset, and atmospheric conditions.

Scientific analysis and regional comparisons

In Pakistan, SUPARCO’s analysis suggests that the likelihood of the moon being sighted on March 30 is high. Key scientific indicators include:

• Moon Age at Sunset: Approx 27 hours
• Moon-Sun Angular Separation: About 16 degrees
• Moon Altitude at Sunset: Around 14 degrees
• Illumination: 2%
• Crescent Visibility Probability: Crescent will be easily visible with the naked eye.

In Saudi Arabia, the chances of crescent visibility on March 29 are minimal due to the moon’s age at sunset in Mecca, which would be approximately five hours. The crescent is expected to be visible in Saudi Arabia on March 30, meaning Eid al-Fitr is also likely to be observed there on March 31.

Government announces official holiday

Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene on March 30 at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Islamabad, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, to assess moon sighting reports from across the country. Concurrent meetings of zonal Ruet-e-Hilal committees will be held at designated locations. The official announcement regarding Eid al-Fitr will be made following these deliberations.

Meanwhile, the Government of Pakistan has announced a three-day public holiday for Eid, from Monday, March 31, to Wednesday, April 2, 2025, according to a Cabinet Division notification.