Shawwal Moon Sighted, Eid ul-Fitr Likely on March 21 in Pakistan: SUPARCO
Islamabad: The Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission has confirmed the birth of the Shawwal moon, but authorities say it is unlikely to be visible in Pakistan today, indicating that Eid ul-Fitr will likely be celebrated on Saturday, March 21.
According to Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Laghari, Divisional Head of Astrophysics at SUPARCO, the new moon was born today at 6:23 a.m. At sunset, the moon’s age will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes, and in Pakistan’s coastal areas, the gap between sunset and moonset is expected to be around 28 minutes.
For scientific moon sighting, the moon should be at least 19 hours old, with a visible duration of 40–45 minutes. Based on these criteria, the moon is unlikely to be sighted today.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene today to confirm moon sightings across Pakistan. In the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia, the moon was not sighted, meaning Eid will be observed on Friday, March 20, there.
