Saudi Arabia, Pakistan likely to celebrate Eidul Fitr on same day

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are expected to celebrate the festival of Eidul Fitr on the same day, April 10 (Wednesday), as there is no chance of moon sighting in the Kingdom today (Monday).

The authorities in Saudi Arabia have asked the citizens to sight the Shawwal moon on the evening of April 8.

However, astronomers predicted that the Eidul Fitr crescent would not be sighted in the Kingdom today.

On the other hand, the first day of Eidul Fitr in Pakistan is expected to fall on April 10, as the Shawwal moon is likely to be sighted on April 9 (Tuesday).

The Pakistan Metrological Department (PDM), in its advisory, said the moon would be born on April 8 at 11:21pm in Pakistan.

"For the crescent to be sighted, the duration should be more than 19 hours," it added.

Met office said the crescent could be spotted for over 50 minutes around sundown.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on Tuesday for the sighting of the Eidul Fitr moon and the decision will be announced by the body after collecting Shahdah's of crescent.