ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed federal government departments to pay March salaries and pensions before Eid ul Fitr to provide relief to government employees ahead of the festival.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, federal departments have started working on arrangements to release salaries and pensions before Eid so that employees can meet their expenses during the festive days.
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.
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The move comes as Eid ul Fitr is expected to fall on March 20 or 21, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
Experts believe Eid is likely to fall on March 21, as Pakistan is expected to complete a 30-day Ramadan this year.
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission said the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 PST.
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However, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will make the final announcement regarding the sighting of the crescent and the exact date of Eid in the country.
Meanwhile, the federal government has also announced two public holidays on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr. According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, March 20 and March 21 will be public holidays.
The holidays will apply to government offices observing both five-day and six-day working weeks.
