ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed federal government departments to release March salaries and pensions ahead of Eid ul Fitr to facilitate public servants before the festival.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office of Pakistan, government departments have started making arrangements to ensure that payments are made before Eid.
Earlier, the Government of Sindh also decided to release March salaries, allowances and pensions in advance for Muslim employees and pensioners.
A letter issued by the Sindh Finance Department stated that all Muslim government employees and pensioners, including those working under work-charged and contingent paid establishments, will receive their full pay, allowances and pensions for March on March 16, 2026.
The decision comes as Eid ul Fitr is expected to fall on March 20 or 21, subject to the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
Experts suggest the festival is likely to be observed on March 21, with Pakistan expected to complete 30 days of Ramadan.
According to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 PST.
However, the final decision regarding the moon sighting will be taken by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Separately, the Cabinet Division of Pakistan has announced two public holidays for Eid ul Fitr on March 20 and 21 for offices observing both five-day and six-day working weeks.
