ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced three public holidays from May 26 to May 28 on account of Eid al-Adha, according to an official notification issued by the Cabinet Division.

The notification stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved the three-day holiday period for the religious festival.

“All government offices across the country will remain closed on May 26, 27 and 28, which fall on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,” the notification added.

Earlier reports had suggested that Eidul Azha was likely to fall on June 7, subject to the sighting of the Zul Hijjah moon.

Astronomical forecasts indicated that chances of moon sighting on May 27 were low due to the moon’s young age at sunset, while visibility was expected to improve by May 28.

If the moon is sighted on May 28, the first day of Zul Hijjah would begin on May 29, placing Eidul Azha on June 7, pending the final announcement by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

Eidul Azha is one of the two major Islamic festivals and commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.

A central ritual of the festival is Qurbani, the sacrifice of animals including goats, cows, sheep and camels, with meat distributed among family members, relatives and underprivileged communities to promote charity and social solidarity.