ISLAMABAD: The federal government has declared a four-day public holiday from June 6 to June 9, 2025, to celebrate the festival of Eidul Azha.
According to an official notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Monday, the holiday period will run from Friday through Monday, allowing citizens across Pakistan to observe the important religious occasion with their families.
Eidul Azha Moon Sighting and Official Announcement
The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee (RHC) confirmed that Eidul Azha will be observed on June 7, 2025, following their monthly moon sighting meeting held last month.
The committee, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, announced that the crescent moon for the month of Zilhaj was not sighted anywhere in the country, which determined the official Islamic calendar dates.
The meeting was conducted on the roof of the Religious Affairs Ministry office in Islamabad’s Kohsar Block, with simultaneous zonal meetings held in provincial capitals to gather testimonies.
Weather conditions were reported to be mostly cloudy across the country, contributing to the absence of moon sightings. The RHC’s decision was made by consensus, confirming the first day of Zilhaj as May 29, 2025, with Eidul Azha set for June 7.
The committee included experts such as Dr. Mohammad Hasan Ali from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, representatives from Suparco, and officials from the Science and Technology Ministry.
Significance of Eidul Azha and Government Preparations
Eidul Azha, celebrated on the 10th of Zilhaj, is a significant Islamic festival that marks the culmination of Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
The festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. During this time, Muslims perform special prayers, sacrifice animals, and share with the less fortunate.
The government’s announcement of the extended holiday period aims to facilitate smooth celebrations and travel plans for the public during this sacred time. Businesses, educational institutions, and government offices will remain closed throughout the four-day period to allow citizens to observe the festival peacefully.
