Government Announces Early Salary Payments Alongside Eid Holidays
By Shahzad Paracha :
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed federal departments to disburse March salaries and pensions ahead of Eid al-Fitr, offering relief to public sector employees before the festival.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, government departments have begun arrangements to ensure early payments in line with the directive.
Provinces follow suit
In Sindh, the provincial government has already announced that salaries, allowances and pensions for March will be released in advance.
A notification issued by the Sindh Finance Department said Muslim employees and pensioners, including those on work-charged and contingent payrolls, would receive payments on 16 March 2026.
Officials said the move was aimed at helping families manage expenses linked to Eid celebrations.
Eid date subject to moon sighting
Eid is expected to fall on either 20 or 21 March, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission said the new moon is likely to be born on 19 March at 06:23 PST. However, the final announcement will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Astronomers have indicated that the country is likely to complete 30 days of Ramadan, making 21 March the more probable date for Eid.
Public holidays announced
Separately, the Cabinet Division of Pakistan has declared 20 and 21 March as public holidays for Eid.
The holidays will apply to offices observing both five-day and six-day working weeks.
Officials say the early salary disbursement, combined with the holiday schedule, is intended to ease financial pressures and allow citizens to prepare for the festival with greater convenience.
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