Islamabad, March 30, 2025 – The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan is set to meet today to determine the sighting of the Shawwal moon, which will officially confirm the date for Eid celebrations across the country.
The committee’s decision will establish whether Ramadan has concluded and when Eid will be observed.
The meeting, presided over by Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, will take place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in Islamabad. Alongside the central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, regional and zonal committees will convene in major cities to gather moon sighting testimonies from various regions. Their collective assessments will contribute to the final Eid announcement.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee plays a vital role in verifying and authenticating moon sighting reports to ensure religious harmony across Pakistan. According to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the Shawwal moon is likely to be sighted today, Sunday, March 30, 2025. If confirmed, Eid will be celebrated nationwide on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Millions of Muslims in Pakistan eagerly await the committee’s official declaration, as Eid marks the joyous conclusion of the month-long fasting period. Families prepare for the festivities, which include prayers, communal gatherings, and traditional feasts.
Religious scholars, meteorologists, and astronomical experts will participate in today’s meeting to ensure accuracy in the moon sighting process. Once the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee finalizes its review, a formal announcement will be made, guiding the nation on when Eid celebrations will commence.
The Shawwal moon sighting is a globally significant event, as different countries rely on regional observations to determine the start of Eid. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Iran have already declared that the crescent moon was sighted on March 29, leading to their Eid celebrations today.
However, some countries, including Oman, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Australia, did not witness the Shawwal moon on March 29. Their respective Moon Sighting Committees have confirmed that Ramadan will be completed with 30 days, and Eid will be observed on Monday, March 31, 2025.
For example, Bangladesh’s National Moon Sighting Committee confirmed that the crescent moon was not visible, leading to an official announcement that Eid would be observed a day later. Similarly, Indonesia and India, having completed 28 days of fasting, anticipate a moon sighting today, with their Eid declaration following the final confirmation.
Malaysia, Brunei, and Australia have also stated that their Eid celebrations will take place on March 31, pending moon sighting verification. With the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s crucial announcement expected today, Pakistanis are keenly waiting to know when they will officially celebrate this blessed festival.