The holidays will apply to public institutions that operate under five- and six-day work weeks.
Muslim devotees greet each other after offering Eid prayers at the historic Badshahi Mosque during Eid. Photo: AFP
The government on Sunday announced holidays on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, issuing an official notification declaring March 20 and 21 as holidays across the country.
As per the notification issued by the Cabinet Division, all government offices will remain closed on March 20 and 21 (Friday and Saturday). Holidays will apply to public institutions that operate with five- and six-day work weeks.
Sunday, March 22 will continue to be a regular weekly holiday, while Monday, March 23 will now be observed as a nationwide public holiday to commemorate Pakistan Day. As a result, government employees are expected to receive an extended break during the Eid period.
It is worth noting that Express News had informed the four holidays a day before the notification was issued, while the government released the official holiday notification today.
Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission had already predicted that Eidul Fitr was likely to fall on March 21 as the chances of sighting the Shawwal crescent on March 19 were considered very low.
“At the time of sunset on March 19, the age of the new moon would be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes, with an estimated interval of 28 minutes between sunset and moonset along the coastal strip of Pakistan,” the SUPARCO statement said.
The commission stated that the prediction was based on scientific calculations and observations, but emphasized that the relevant religious authority would make the official announcement.
“The final decision on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent and the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr 1447 AH would be taken by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan, which is the only competent authority to announce the beginning of the Islamic months based on testimonies of credible witnesses and verified observations from across the country,” the statement said.
