Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet in Islamabad on Thursday for sighting of Shawwal moon. Chairman Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad will preside over the central meeting of the body responsible for announcing the sighting of the new moon. Whereas, the zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal committees will also meet at their respective headquarters for sighting of the moon. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) said on March 11 that the chances of sighting the Shawwal crescent on March 19 are low, making March 21 the likely date for Eid-ul-Fitr in Pakistan. Consequently, 1st Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to fall on Saturday, March 21, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. However, the final announcement regarding the sighting of the Shawwal crescent will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the country’s official body responsible for confirming the start of Islamic months based on verified testimonies and observations from across Pakistan. Following the approval of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Cabinet Division on March 15 issued a notification declaring March 20 and 21, as public holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr across the country. The notification specifies that these holidays will apply to all offices, including those observing both five-day and six-day working weeks. The closure of offices is intended to allow officials and employees to celebrate the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr with their families.