The Pakistani government officially declared March 20 and March 21 as public holidays for Eidul Fitr. The Cabinet Division issued the notification on Sunday, granting an extended four-day weekend for government employees when combined with a regular Sunday off and the Pakistan Day holiday on March 23.
The two-day Eid break applies universally to public institutions operating under both five-day and six-day working weeks. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission forecast Eidul Fitr to fall on March 21. Scientific models indicate the new moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes old at sunset on March 19, making a crescent sighting highly improbable. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee retains jurisdiction over the final official declaration, pending verified visual testimonies.
Ahead of the holidays, federal and provincial governments announced the early disbursement of all March salaries and pensions. The festive period coincides with severe logistical challenges, as intercity bus fares spiked by Rs600 to Rs800 per passenger, stranding many migrant laborers in major hubs such as Rawalpindi and forcing travel cancellations.
The ensuing Pakistan Day on March 23 will be observed with strict simplicity at diplomatic missions abroad. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar stated the decision aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s austerity measures and serves as a mark of solidarity as the world monitors the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.