In a significant announcement, the federal government of Pakistan declared three public holidays for Eid ul Fitr 2025. According to the notification issued by the Cabinet Secretariat on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, these holidays will commence on March 31 and extend through April 2.
The Prime Minister made it clear in the official release that these dates, falling from Monday to Wednesday, are intended for the national celebration of Eid ul Fitr, signaling the end of the holy month of Ramadan which involves fasting and reflection for millions of Muslims across the country.
As the nation anticipates the festivities, the exact timing of Eid ul Fitr remains contingent on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, tasked with observing the moon, has prepared to hold a moon sighting session on the evening of Sunday, March 30, 2025. Khalid Ijaz Mufti, Secretary General of the Ruet-e-Hilal Council, stated, "The Shawwal crescent is likely to be visible on the evening of Sunday, March 30, provided weather conditions are favorable."
This session is not merely a formality; it plays a pivotal role in determining when Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated, as Islamic months are based on lunar sightings. The Committee's meeting will take place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, where religious leaders and meteorological experts will convene to ensure the accuracy of the observations. This year, they will assess whether the moon meets the necessary visibility criteria, which, Mufti noted, is aided by favorable conditions expected across various regions of Pakistan.
He elaborated on the requirements for sighting the moon, emphasizing that it must be at least 18 hours old by sunset on March 30. Additionally, the moon's age at sunset is expected to exceed 26 hours, further easing the potential sighting.
According to reports from the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the first day of Eid ul Fitr is anticipated to fall on March 31, based on scientific assessments and astronomical calculations regarding lunar movements.
While excitement builds around these celebratory plans, there has been some confusion circulating on social media. A fake notification claiming that the government had declared eight public holidays from March 29 to April 6, 2025, has garnered attention and sparked uncertainty among the population. However, government officials quickly clarified that this announcement was entirely false and urged citizens to disregard such misleading information.
The Minister of Religious Affairs has assured the public that an official holiday schedule will be communicated via the appropriate channels as necessary. The ministry reinforced that only the announcements made by recognized authorities should be believed through official means.
Community members reflect on the significance of Eid ul Fitr, which follows the month of Ramadan—a period marked by fasting, spiritual growth, charity, and community building. While Ramadan is observed with discipline and devotion, Eid ul Fitr is characterized by joy, feasting, and togetherness, embodying the spirit of gratitude and celebration among families and friends.
Families across Pakistan are excitedly preparing to observe Eid ul Fitr, with plans for festive meals, prayers, and community gatherings. Many are looking forward to sharing customary dishes and giving gifts, further strengthening familial ties and social bonds.
In anticipation of the holiday, Muslims are encouraged to remain patient and to wait for the official confirmation of the moon sighting. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, together with the zonal committees, is committed to ensuring that the crescent is sighted correctly and encourages citizens to actively participate in the celebrations once the official date is confirmed.
As a key moment in the Islamic calendar, Eid ul Fitr represents both an end and a new beginning—a conclusion of the reflective and spiritual practices of Ramadan and a dawn of joyous festivities. Following the months of self-restraint and devotion, Eid ul Fitr serves as an important reminder of community, unity, and celebration.
This coming Eid holds special meaning, especially amidst the challenges faced by communities in recent months. As families come together to celebrate, they also share the joy of being united again after months of struggle. Eid ul Fitr is more than just a religious observance; it becomes an opportunity for the reaffirmation of community and solidarity among people.
Thus, with the holidays confirmed and excitement building, the nation waits with bated breath for the official moon sighting and the beginning of Eid ul Fitr celebrations commencing on March 31, 2025.
