In a major development for the government employees, a decision has been taken to release salaries and pensions before Eid-ul-Fitr.
The Punjab Finance Department has issued a notification stating that all Muslim government employees will get their salaries on March 16, 2026.
According to the department, pensions will also be paid on the same day.
The salaries and pensions were recently issued earlier in March, and employees will now receive their next payments again on the 16th of the same month.
In separate development, officials have announced holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 and the upcoming spring season in Pakistan.
According to the notification, the Punjab University will remain closed from Friday, March 20, 2026, to Monday, March 23, 2026, for province-wide Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 holidays.
During these four days, normal teaching and administrative activities, including departments, offices, institutes, centres, affiliated colleges and schools will remain suspended.
The university administration said the move has been made to make it easier for the students and staff to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families and observe the religious festival comfortably and conveniently.
After the Eid holidays, the university will have its spring recess. All teaching departments, institutes, centres, constituent colleges and schools will be closed from Tuesday, March 24 2026, to Friday, March 27, 2026 for the spring break.
Academic activities will be resumed on Monday, March 30, 2026. The two consecutive holidays will allow students celebrate Eid and also take a few days of rest and academic preparation before classes resume.
However, the notification mentioned that administrative staff will resume their responsibilities from Tuesday, March 24, 2026, immediately after the Eid holidays.
Shawwal moon sighting
According to the details shared by the department, there is no possibility of sighting the Shawwal moon on March 19.
This means that the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH will be born at 6:23am on March 19.
At sunset, the moon will be just 12 to 13 hours old at most meteorological stations, which is not favourable for sighting.
The final decision will be taken by Pakistan’s Central Ruet e Hilal Committee, which will make an official announcement after the moon sighting at the scheduled time.
Also read: Eid-ul-Fitr, spring holidays announced, check dates here
