Urgent Update! Will Ramadan Have 29 or 30 Fasts? Meteorological Department Issues Final Prediction 2026

The wait for millions of Pakistanis looking forward to the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the arrival of Eid-ul-Fitr is finally over as major predictions regarding 29 or 30 fasts emerge! The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and top astronomers have released scientific calculations regarding the birth of the Shawwal moon and its visibility, providing essential details for every citizen. If you are concerned about Eid preparations, booking travel tickets, or the official government holiday schedule, this article provides every answer you need. While Islamic months depend on the physical sighting of the moon, modern scientific tools are now capable of making highly accurate estimates. Will Eid fall on Friday or Saturday? Let’s dive into the detailed breakdown.

Ramadan 2026 and Eid-ul-Fitr

Detail Type	Expected Information
Ramadan Start Date	February 19, 2026 (Pakistan)
Total Fasts	30 Days (Strong Probability)
Expected Eid Date	March 21, 2026 (Saturday)
Moon Age (March 19)	12 to 13 Hours (Insufficient)
Official Portal	pmd.gov.pk

What Does the Scientific Forecast Say?

Will Ramadan Have 29 or 30 Fasts? According to the latest report from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the birth of the Shawwal 1447 AH moon is expected at 6:23 AM on March 19, 2026. However, by the evening of the 29th of Ramadan (March 19), the age of the moon at sunset will be only between 12 and 13 hours. Scientifically, the moon must be at least 19 to 24 hours old to be visible to the naked human eye. Based on this data, there is a very strong probability that Pakistan will complete a full 30 days of Ramadan this year.

Expected Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 Date and Schedule

If the PMD forecast proves correct and the moon is not sighted on March 19, Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21. In this scenario, Friday, March 20, will be the 30th fast, and “Chand Raat” will be celebrated that evening. The Government of Pakistan has already prepared a preliminary calendar for Eid holidays, which mentions public holidays from March 21 to March 23. However, the final official decision remains in the hands of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which will meet on the evening of March 19.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2026: Key Dates and Timings

Event	Expected Date
29th Fast	March 19, 2026 (Thursday)
Moon Sighting Meeting	March 19 Evening
30th Fast	March 20, 2026 (Friday)
Eid-ul-Fitr (Day 1)	March 21, 2026 (Saturday)
Pakistan Day	March 23, 2026 (Monday)

Procedure and Importance of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee

Will Ramadan Have 29 or 30 Fasts? In Pakistan, the final decision on the start or end of any Islamic month is made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. The meeting is attended by representatives from the Meteorological Department, SUPARCO, and the Ministry of Science and Technology to combine scientific data with Sharia testimonies.

Collection of Testimonies: Testimonies of moon sightings are collected from zonal offices across the country.
Technical Support: Satellite data from SUPARCO is used to check the moon’s angle and altitude.
Official Announcement: After verifying all evidence, the Chairman of the Committee makes the final announcement on national media.
Public Notification: If the moon is sighted, announcements are immediately made via mosques and news channels.

Is There Any Chance of 29 Fasts?

Although the scientific age of the moon is reported to be low, sometimes in coastal areas like Karachi or Pasni, an exceptionally clear sky can lead to a surprise sighting. If credible testimonies are received on the evening of March 19, Ramadan will consist of 29 days, and Eid will fall on Friday, March 20. However, current astronomical data suggests the chance of this happening is less than 10%. Therefore, citizens are advised to plan their Eid shopping and travel based on a 30-day Ramadan cycle.

Official Notification for Eid Holidays

The Government of Pakistan has drafted the proposed holiday schedule for Eid-ul-Fitr 2026. This year, Eid coincides with “March 23” (Pakistan Day), providing a long weekend for the public.

Expected Holidays: From March 21 (Saturday) to March 23 (Monday).
Early Salary Relief: Instructions have been issued to provide salaries and pensions to government employees before Eid.
Railway Bookings: Online registration for Eid special trains is expected to start soon.
Security Plan: Provincial governments have finalized strict security arrangements for Eid congregations.

Conclusion ( Will Ramadan Have 29 or 30 Fasts?)

All scientific indicators for Will Ramadan Have 29 or 30 Fasts? 2026 and the final 30 fasts, meaning there is a strong likelihood of Eid-ul-Fitr falling on Saturday, March 21. However, as per Islamic tradition, the final decision rests solely with the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. Citizens are encouraged to rely only on the official portalpmd.gov.pk and verified media sources to avoid rumors. This holy month teaches us patience and worship; whether there are 29 or 30 fasts, the true goal is seeking the blessings of Allah.