Government announces four-day long Eid holidays

The federal government of Pakistan has officially declared a four-day Eid ul Fitr holiday from April 10 to April 13.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has given his approval for the holiday period which is four days.

The announcement comes as anticipation builds for the sighting of the Shawwal moon, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramazan. If the moon is sighted on April 9, Eidul Fitr will be observed on April 10; otherwise, it will be celebrated on April 11, The Express Tribune reported.

Moon-sighting predictions

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) released predictions indicating that the Shawwal moon is likely to be sighted on Tuesday, April 9, across the country. According to PMD forecasts, the birth of the Shawwal moon is expected on the night of April 8 at 11:21 pm local time.

On April 9, the moon’s age is estimated to range between 19 to 20 hours, with an anticipated duration of moon sighting after sunset exceeding 50 minutes on the horizon. While clear skies are forecasted for most locations across the southern regions, including Karachi, on April 9, northern areas may experience cloudy conditions during the moon sighting.

In the event that the moon is sighted on April 9, Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10.

Traditionally, Eid holidays commence a day earlier than the anticipated date so that citizens may prepare for the occasion.