ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Tuesday announced a four-day-long Eid-ul Fitr holiday, which will start on May 2 (Monday).
According to the notification issued today, Eidul Fitr holidays will be observed from Monday, May 2 to Thursday, May 5.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was sent a summary recommending three days of holidays for the occasion, however, the premier approved four days of leave.
Meanwhile, astronomers have predicted that Eidul Fitr is likely to be celebrated on Tuesday, May 3 this year, saying the Shawwal moon may not be sighted anywhere in the country on the evening of 29 Ramazan (Sunday, May 1).
The experts added that the new moon will be born at 1:28 am between the night of April 30 and May 1. They further said that the dimensional difference between the moon from the sun needs to be at 10 degrees, but it will be at eight degrees in Pakistan, which will make it near impossible to be seen even with a telescope.
Meanwhile, the meteorological department hasn’t yet sent its requisition about the moon sighting to the religious affairs ministry as per its practice.
