ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday (March 21) as the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee received no credible testimony of the Shawwal moon sighting from any part of the country.

Chairman of the committee Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad formally announced the decision during a press conference in Islamabad.

He said that despite receiving some reports, none met the strict Shariah-based criteria required for confirmation. The zonal committee in Peshawar had reported six testimonies — five via telephone and one from an eyewitness — which were forwarded to the central body for verification but were not deemed credible.

Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days and are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. With no confirmed sighting, Ramadan will complete 30 days in Pakistan this year.

Meteorologists had earlier indicated that the chances of moon sighting were extremely low. The crescent’s age in Islamabad was recorded at 12 hours and 23 minutes, far below the minimum visibility threshold of around 19 hours and 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, India will also observe Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday after no confirmed sightings were reported in cities including Lucknow and Hyderabad, while Indonesia has similarly announced Eid on the same day.

In contrast, Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia are celebrating Eid on Friday after earlier announcements. Afghanistan has already observed Eid.

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims observe fasting as one of the five pillars of Islam and are encouraged to give charity to those in need.

This year, Ramadan across the Muslim world has been overshadowed by ongoing tensions in the Middle East following the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.