Pakistan celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr with prayers for peace in Middle East

Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated across Pakistan today (Saturday, March 21, 2026) with religious fervour and devotion after the Shawwal moon was sighted on Friday evening following the completion of 30 days of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

Pakistanis marked the occasion with large prayer gatherings held at mosques, Eidgahs and open grounds across the country, expressing religious devotion and communal harmony.

Special prayers were offered for national security, prosperity and the well-being of Muslims worldwide, with particular focus on unity within the Muslim ummah and an end to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, including recent strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as for the freedom of Palestine.

The day also saw families preparing traditional food at home, while large congregations gathered to celebrate the festival and offer prayers for the country’s stability and prosperity.

Authorities enforced strict security measures across the country at mosques and other venues to ensure peaceful observance of Eid prayers and prevent any untoward incidents.

In Islamabad, one of the largest congregations was held at the Faisal Mosque, where Eid prayers were led by Dr Muhammad bin Abdul Kareem Al-Eisa.

In Lahore, the historic Badshahi Mosque witnessed a massive turnout, with Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad leading the prayers and calling for global peace and unity among Muslims.

The first day of Eid began with congregational prayers in mosques and Eidgahs across all major cities and towns. The main congregation in the federal capital was held at Faisal Mosque, where senior government officials and envoys from Muslim countries also participated.

Special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the country and the welfare of the Muslim ummah, according to the state broadcaster.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced yesterday evening that Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed across Pakistan on Saturday, March 21, after the Shawwal moon was sighted in the country.

The announcement was made during a press conference held under the chairmanship of Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, who confirmed that credible reports of moon sightings were received from across the country.

A meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee had earlier been convened in Islamabad to see the crescent, while zonal and district committees simultaneously held sessions at their respective headquarters, including in Karachi and Lahore. 

According to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH was born at 6:23 PST on March 19. At sunset, the moon’s age was approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes, with a visibility window of around 28 minutes—conditions deemed unfavourable for observation.

Based on these factors, experts had anticipated that Pakistan would complete 30 days of Ramadan, placing the first day of Shawwal on March 21.

Most of Asia observes Eid today

Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated today in several countries, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia, following the completion of the holy month of Ramadan. 

Many Muslims in these countries have gathered in mosques, Eidgahs, and open grounds to offer special prayers and participate in festive celebrations.

Earlier, Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia and some African nations marked Eid on Friday, while in parts of Europe such as Britain, two days of Eid holidays are being observed, reflecting local moon-sighting reports. 

Similarly, in France, the United States, and Canada, Muslims celebrated Eid on Friday, joining in prayers and charitable activities.

Thousands of worshippers also assembled in Moscow to offer congregational Eid prayers. Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his congratulations to Muslim communities across the country on this auspicious occasion, emphasising goodwill and unity.

The global observance of Eid highlights both religious devotion and the spirit of community, as Muslims worldwide exchange greetings, share festive meals, and pray for peace, prosperity, and harmony.