ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national space agency predicted on Wednesday the first day of the Eid-Al-Fitr festival that caps the holy month of Ramadan would likely be observed on Monday, Mar. 31.
The sighting of the new moon, or the Shawwal crescent moon as it is otherwise called, signifies the end of Ramadan, and the beginning of Eid Al-Fitr and its festivities. Ramadan in Pakistan began on Mar. 2, a day later than in most other Muslim countries, and Eid is thus widely expected to fall on Mar. 31.
Pakistan’s central moon sighting body, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, observes the Shawwal moon before Eid each year and announces the start of the holiday.
“The likelihood of moon sighting on Mar. 30, 2025 in Pakistan is very bright,” the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) said in a statement.
“Consequently, Ramadan is expected to complete 29 days, and the first day of Eid-Al-Fitr will likely be observed on Mar. 31, 2025.”
The sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon is determined by a combination of astronomical factors and traditional practices, including the moon’s age, its angular separation from the sun, and visibility conditions.
Muslims look for the crescent moon in the sky shortly after sunset on the 29th day of Ramadan each year.
If the moon is sighted, the following day is declared as the first day of the new month of Shawwal and the start of Eid Al-Fitr.
