Bari Khushkhabri! The Federal Government of Pakistan has officially notified the Eid-ul-Fitr Holidays, while Pakistan Railways has launched 4 special trains to ensure every citizen reaches home safely for the festivities. According to the Cabinet Division, Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, have been declared public holidays, providing a much-needed break for both 5-day and 6-day work-week employees across the country.
If you are planning to travel to your hometown, this is the most critical update for your journey don’t miss the chance to book your seats on the special Eid trains starting from March 16. Read this complete guide to check the official holiday notification, SUPARCO moon sighting predictions, and the full schedule of Eid special trains today!
Quick Overview
| Information Category | Official Details |
| Holiday Dates | March 20 & 21, 2026 |
| Special Trains | 04 Eid Special Trains |
| First Train Departure | March 16, 2026 |
| Official Portal | pakrail.gov.pk |
| Notification By | Cabinet Division Pakistan |
What is the Official Eid-ul-Fitr Holidays Schedule?
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has approved the Eid-ul-Fitr Holidays 2026, setting the dates as March 20 (Friday) and March 21 (Saturday). This announcement, released via the Cabinet Division, applies to all federal government offices, educational institutions, and banking sectors. Since the holiday covers Friday and Saturday, most employees will enjoy a 3-day break as Sunday follows immediately. This early notification allows families to prepare for one of the biggest religious festivals and helps reduce the last-minute rush in markets and transportation hubs.
Pakistan Railways Eid Special Trains Schedule 2026
To facilitate the surge of passengers traveling for Eid, Pakistan Railways has introduced four special trains connecting major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, and Rawalpindi.
- Train 1 (March 16): Departs from Lahore to Karachi to accommodate south-bound travelers.
- Train 2 (March 17): Departs from Quetta to Rawalpindi for passengers in Balochistan and Northern regions.
- Train 3 (March 17): Operates from Karachi to Peshawar, covering the longest route for commuters.
- Train 4 (March 18): Runs from Karachi to Lahore to handle the massive traffic between the two largest cities.
- Booking Status: Online and counter bookings are now open; it is advised to secure seats early due to high demand.
Special Eid Train Operations Data
| Departure Date | Route Details |
| March 16, 2026 | Lahore to Karachi |
| March 17, 2026 | Quetta to Rawalpindi |
| March 17, 2026 | Karachi to Peshawar |
| March 18, 2026 | Karachi to Lahore |
| Service Goal | Safe & Timely Travel |
SUPARCO Moon Sighting Prediction for Shawwal 1447 AH
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has shared scientific data regarding the birth of the Shawwal moon. According to experts, the new moon is expected to be born on the morning of March 19, 2026, at approximately 06:23 PST. By sunset on March 19, the moon’s age will be around 12 hours and 41 minutes, with only a 28-minute gap before moonset along the coastal belt. This data suggests that the chances of sighting the crescent on March 19 are low, and Pakistanis are likely to observe a full 30-day Ramadan, with Eid-ul-Fitr falling on March 21, 2026.
How to Check Your Eid Train Booking Status?
With the launch of the Eid-ul-Fitr Holidays special trains, the Pakistan Railways online portal is the best way to verify seat availability and timing. Follow these simple steps to manage your travel:
- Visit the official Pakistan Railways portal at pakrail.gov.pk.
- Select your “From” and “To” stations along with the travel date (March 16-18).
- Look for the “Eid Special” tag in the train list to find dedicated holiday trains.
- Choose your preferred class (Economy, AC Standard, or Business) and check the fare.
- Provide your CNIC and mobile number to complete the online booking and receive your e-ticket instantly.
Commitment to Passenger Safety and Convenience
The spokesperson for Pakistan Railways highlighted that these special operations reflect the department’s commitment to public service during the busy festive season. Additional staff and security personnel have been deployed at major railway stations to manage the crowds and ensure a smooth boarding process. Furthermore, the timing of these trains has been synchronized with the government’s holiday announcement so that people can reach their homes well before the first day of Eid. Passengers are encouraged to utilize the digital ticketing system to avoid long queues at the physical booking counters.
(FAQs)
Q1: Will there be a holiday on Monday if Eid is on Saturday?
Currently, only March 20 and 21 are notified; any extension would require a separate notification from the Cabinet Division.
Q2: Are private employees also eligible for these Eid-ul-Fitr Holidays?
While the notification is for government offices, most private sectors and factories follow the federal holiday schedule for Eid.
Q3: Can I book the Eid Special Train via mobile apps?
Yes, the “Pak Rail” mobile app supports booking for all special trains using EasyPaisa, JazzCash, or Credit Cards.
Q4: When will the final moon sighting announcement be made?
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on the evening of March 19 to make the final official announcement for Eid.