Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2026 Public Holiday Expected on August 26 in Pakistan

Pakistanis are eagerly waiting for the official announcement regarding the Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2026 public holiday, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has released its preliminary astronomical forecast for the Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH moon.

Based on astronomical calculations, the age of the moon and other scientific factors the PMD said that the moon of Rabi-ul-Awwal is not likely to be seen on the evening of August 13, 2026. Assuming the forecast is correct, 1st Rabi-ul-Awwal will land on Saturday, August 15, and 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal which marks Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) will fall on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

PMD Forecast Suggests August 26 for Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2026

Weather conditions may also impact the moon visibility, the Meteorological Department said, adding that partly cloudy skies will be observed in many areas around the country on August 13. With these scientific observations, the probability of seeing the crescent moon during the night is very low.

Assuming that the moon is not sighted, the Islamic month will commence on 15 August and Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2026 is expected to occur on 26 August.

Will There Be a Public Holiday on Eid Milad-un-Nabi?

As Eid Milad-un-Nabi (12 Rabi-ul-Awwal) is a gazetted public holiday in Pakistan, Wednesday, August 26, 2026 is expected to be a public holiday for government offices, educational institutions, banks and many private organizations as well.

No official notification has however been made by the Federal Government to declare the public holiday.

Final Decision Depends on Ruet-e-Hilal Committee

The PMD has clarified that its report is just an astronomical prediction not as the final announcement.

After verifying the moon sighting reports from various regions of the country, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will make the final decision on the moon sighting date, the beginning of the Islamic month and the final date of Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2026.

Public Awaits Official Notification

People across Pakistan, including government employees, students, and businesses, are now waiting for the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s official moon sighting announcement followed by the federal government’s notification confirming the Eid Milad-un-Nabi public holiday.

Until then, August 26, 2026, remains the expected date for both Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations and the public holiday in Pakistan.