Cabinet Division Releases Notification for Festive Break
In a move to quell social media speculations, the Federal Government has officially announced Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, bringing relief to employees across Pakistan. The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Thursday detailing the schedule for the upcoming festive break.
According to the notification, offices where employees already enjoy Saturday and Sunday off will observe three public holidays from April 10 to 12. Meanwhile, workplaces where Sunday is the only day off will have an extended break, observing four public holidays from April 10 to 13.
The announcement, bearing the signature of Press Information Department (PID) Principal Information Officer Muhammad Aqib Gulzar, confirms that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given his approval for the public holidays in celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The Met Office had previously predicted that the first day of Eid ul Fitr would fall on April 10, with the Shawwal moon expected to be sighted on April 9.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal is set to appear on April 8 at 11:21 pm. By the next day, around Maghrib prayer time, the crescent will be 19 to 20 hours old and visible for over 50 minutes during sundown. The PMD forecasts clear skies for most parts of the country on April 9, although northern areas may experience some cloud cover.
This year, Ramadan began on March 11 in Pakistan after the crescent for the holy month was sighted. If the PMD’s predictions hold true, Pakistanis will observe 29 days of fasting.
Eid ul Fitr, celebrated by Muslims worldwide, marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal. Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion, focusing on patience, self-control, charity, and welfare. Eid ul Fitr follows as a joyous and festive occasion.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar orbit, resulting in months that are approximately 10 days shorter. As a result, Ramadan falls on different dates each year, based on the sighting of the crescent moon.
The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months, with Ramadan being the ninth month. Its fluidity in relation to the Gregorian calendar underscores the significance of moon sightings in determining Islamic holidays.
