Pakistan is expected to observe Eidul Fitr on March 31, 2025, according to a scientific moon sighting forecast published by Supparco.
In a statement, the Space and upper Atmosphere Investigation Commission (Supparco) provided an astronomical analysis of the visibility of Shawwal Crescent, indicating that the Moon will probably be sighted on March 30 throughout the country.
According to Supparco, the new moon for Shawwal 1446 Hijri will form on March 29 at 3:58 pm (standard Pakistan time). However, its visibility on the same night is unlikely due to its young age and positioning.
By March 30 (29 of Ramadan in Pakistan), the age of the average average will be approximately 27 hours, which makes it easily visible to the naked eye after sunset. Additional astronomical factors, such as the altitude of 14 degrees of the moon at sunset and 2% of the lighting, further support the probability of sighting.
The visibility of the crescent depends on the atmospheric conditions, and the clear skies would improve the possibilities of observing the moon in most of the Pakistan regions.
The statement also stressed that in Saudi Arabia, the possibilities of sighting of the moon on March 29 remain minimal due to the youngest age of the moon and the lower altitude at sunset. This means that the moon will probably be visible on March 30 in Saudi Arabia too, which suggests that Pakistan and much of Middle East could celebrate EID on the same day, March 31.
Despite the scientific forecast of Supparco, the final decision on EID UL-FIT will take the Central Committee Ruet-E-Hilal de Pakistan. The Committee will meet on March 30 to evaluate the moon sighting reports throughout the country, considering both the scientific data and the testimonies of eyewitnesses before making an official announcement.
“While scientific models strongly indicate a clear sighting on March 30, the final decision continues to depend on land observations and the official verdict of the Ruet-E-Hilal Committee,” said a spokesman for Supparco.
Pakistan follows the scientific and traditional lunar sighting methods, and the government has often been based on the lunar calculations of Supparco to help the decision-making of the Ruet-E-Hilal committee.
If the Crescent is observed as predicted, the Ramadan will conclude with 29 fasts, and Eid Ul-Fitr will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025.
