Public holidays will apply to public institutions operating on five- and six-day work weeks.
Muslim worshipers greet each other after offering Eid prayers at the historic Badshahi Mosque during Eid. Photo: AFP
The government on Sunday announced public holidays to mark Eidul Fitr, issuing an official notification declaring March 20 and 21 public holidays across the country.
According to the notification issued by the Cabinet Division, all government offices will remain closed on March 20 and 21 (Friday and Saturday). Public holidays will apply to public institutions operating on five- and six-day work weeks.
Sunday, March 22 will remain a regular weekly public holiday, while Monday, March 23 will already be observed as a nationwide public holiday to mark Pakistan Day. As a result, government employees are expected to be given an extended break during the Eid period.
It should be noted Express News had reported the four public holidays per day before the notification was issued, while the government has released the official public holiday notification today.
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission had earlier predicted that Eidul Fitr was likely to fall on March 21 as the chances of sighting the Shawwal Crescent on March 19 were considered very low.
“At the time of sunset on March 19, the age of the new moon would be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes, with an estimated interval of 28 minutes between sunset and moonset along the coastal belt of Pakistan,” the SUPARCO statement said.
The commission said the prediction was based on scientific calculations and observations, but stressed that the relevant religious authority would make the official announcement.
“The final decision regarding the observation of the Shawwal Crescent and the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr 1447 AH would be taken by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan, which is the only competent authority to announce the beginning of the Islamic months based on credible testimonies and verified observations from across the country,” the statement said.
