Will there be 29 or 30 days in this Ramadan? PMD explains

2026-02-25 - 11:14

As in previous years, there are discussions about whether this Ramadan will have 29 or 30 days. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has ruled out the possibility of sighting the Shawwal moon on the 29th of Ramadan, meaning this Ramadan will complete 30 days. “There is no possibility of sighting the New Moon of Shawwal 1447 AH anywhere in Pakistan on March 19, 2026 (29th Ramadan)”, the PMD stated in a press release posted on its website yesterday. As such, Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed across Pakistan on March 21, 2026. The PMD has predicted that the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH will be born at 06-23 PST on 19-03-2026. The age of the moon at meteorological observatories is calculated between 12 and 13 hours, which is not favourable for moon sighting. “As per astronomical analysis, there is no chance of sighting the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH on the evening of 19-03-2026 (i.e., on 29th Ramzan 1447 AH)’, the PMD stated. As per the PMD, the prediction is based on astronomical analysis. However, the final decision regarding the declaration of a new moon rests with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan. Shawwal 2026 Moon Sighting: Eid-ul-Fitr likely on March 21