KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that the holy month of Ramadan is likely to consist of 30 days this year, with Eid-ul-Fitr expected to fall on Saturday, March 21.
According to the PMD’s astronomical data, the birth of the Shawwal moon is expected to occur at 6:23 AM on March 19. However, by sunset on the 29th of Ramadan (March 19), the moon’s age will be only 12 to 13 hours, making it practically invisible to the naked eye.
Key Highlights of the Forecast
The moon is expected to be born on March 19 at 6:23 AM. There is no chance of sighting the crescent on the evening of March 19. Ramadan is most likely to span its full duration of 30 days. The expected date for Eid-ul-Fitr is Saturday, March 21, 2026.
The PMD clarified that while the scientific data points toward a 30-day Ramadan, the official announcement regarding the moon sighting remains the sole prerogative of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
