The Punjab government has announced public holidays for Eid ul Fitr, creating an extended five-day break for many residents when combined with the weekend and the March 23 holiday.
According to a notification issued on March 18, 2026, by the Services and General Administration Department, March 19, 20 and 21 will be observed as public holidays across Punjab.
With Sunday immediately following these dates and the March 23 public holiday also included, many people across the province are expected to benefit from a longer consecutive break.
The notification also stated that the announcement will be published in major English and Urdu newspapers at national and regional levels, and shared through electronic media for public awareness.
Experts suggest that Eid ul Fitr is likely to fall around March 21 this year, as Pakistan is expected to complete 30 days of Ramadan.
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission stated that the Shawwal moon is expected to form on March 19, 2026, at 6:23am Pakistan Standard Time.
It added that by sunset on March 19, the moon’s age will be around 12 hours and 41 minutes, while coastal areas may see a 28-minute gap between sunset and moonset.
Suparco clarified that its assessment is intended only as guidance, and the final decision on moon sighting and the official Eid announcement will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
