Lahore – The expected date of Eid-ul-Adha 2026 in Pakistan has been revealed, while the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting will be held in Karachi on May 17 for the sighting of the moon of Dhul-Hijjah. Suparco has shown clear possibilities of sighting the moon in its astronomical forecast.
According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting will be held on 29th Dhul-Qaida at the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Karachi. The meeting will be chaired by Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad.
The spokesperson said that meetings of zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees across the country will also be held in their respective headquarters that evening, where the testimonies received from different areas will be reviewed.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the final announcement of the sighting or non-sighting of the moon of Dhul-Hijjah will be made by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. Like every year, this time too, a large number of people are interested in seeing the moon and knowing the date of Eid-ul-Adha.
On the other hand, SPARCO has released astronomical statistics related to the moon of Dhul-Hijjah and said that the new moon will be born on May 17, 2026 at 1:15 am. According to the organization, the age of the moon at sunset will be about 18 hours and 30 minutes.
SPARCO said that in the coastal areas of Pakistan, a difference of about 60 minutes is expected between sunset and moonset, which increases the chances of seeing the moon. According to the organization, if the weather remains clear, the chances of seeing the moon are quite bright.
According to astronomical experts, the birth of the moon and its position can be accurately estimated through modern technology and scientific observations, however, according to Islamic traditions, the final decision is made only on the evidence of sighting.
Suparco has indicated that the first of Zil-Hijjah will be on Monday, May 18, while Eid-ul-Adha can be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27. However, the final announcement will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
As Eid-ul-Adha approaches, the purchase of sacrificial animals is also expected to increase across the country. Livestock markets have started to be decorated in various cities including Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar and Quetta.
According to experts, Eid-ul-Adha is also considered an important occasion for Pakistan’s economy because during this time, business activities in the sectors related to livestock, fodder, transport, butchers and leather industry increase.
On the other hand, citizens are also taking a keen interest in information related to the expected sighting of the moon and the date of Eid-ul-Adha on social media, while various religious and social circles are also waiting for the decision of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
