Eidul Fitr: Nine-day holiday spell announced for govt servants

The Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday four-day-long public holidays on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, but in reality they would enjoy a nine-day-long holiday season.

According to a notification by the ministry, Eidul Fitr holidays would start from July 5 and last till July 8 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday).



Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan also gave an approval to this effect, said the ministry’s spokesperson.

In reality, government employees would practically enjoy nine-day-long holidays on Eidul Fitr as there is just one working day prior to July 5, Monday falling on July 4. July 2 and July 3 are Saturday and Sunday, respectively, weekly public holidays. July 9 and July 10 are also falling on Saturday and Sunday, so practically most public sector offices would remain closed for nine days.

Last week, Pakistan Meteorological Department said Eidul Fitr will likely be on July 6. The Met Dept said the chances of Eid moon being sighted on July 5 are extremely high. The Eidul Fitr moon will likely be visible in Balochistan’s Jiwani and Pasni coastal lines.

Following the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s announcement, the first day of Ramazan was observed on Tuesday, June 7, across Pakistan.



Earlier, more than 50 muftis issued a fatwa against Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai of Masjid Qasim Ali Khan, saying he always announced the start of Ramazan and Eid celebrations a day before the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2016.