The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council has forecast that Eidul Azha is likely to be observed on May 27, 2026, subject to moon sighting conditions.
According to the council’s Secretary General Khalid Ijaz Mufti, the new moon for Zilhaj 1447 AH is expected to be born at 1:01am Pakistan Standard Time on the night between May 16 and 17.
He said that, if weather conditions remain clear, the crescent is likely to be visible across Pakistan on the evening of Sunday, May 17, making the first day of Zilhaj fall on Monday, May 18. Consequently, Eidul Azha would be observed on Wednesday, May 27.
Mufti noted that the moon would be over 18 hours old at sunset on May 17 in most parts of the country, making conditions favourable for sighting.
He added that in Karachi, the interval between sunset and moonset would be around 55 minutes, while in Peshawar it would be approximately 63 minutes, further supporting the likelihood of visibility under clear skies.
However, he said that if the crescent is not sighted due to cloudy conditions, the month of Zilqad will complete 30 days, and the first of Zilhaj will fall on May 19.
The council also indicated that Eidul Azha is expected to be observed on the same day in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia this year.
