Shawwal moon sighted across Pakistan, Eidul Fitr on Monday 

ISLAMABAD: The crescent moon of Shawwal has been sighted across Pakistan, confirming that Eidul Fitr will be celebrated on Monday, March 31. 

The central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee convened under the chair of Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad to observe the Shawwal 1446 Hijri moon. Religious scholars, experts from SUPARCO, and meteorological department officials participated in the meeting. 

Speaking after the moon sighting, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad stated that while some areas had cloudy skies, testimonies of the moon sighting were received from Lahore, Islamabad, Sheikhupura, and Kasur.

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Earlier, experts had noted that the Shawwal moon was born on the previous day at 3:59 PM, and by sunset today, it would be over 25 hours old, making it easily visible to the naked eye. 

The Research Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Council had also indicated a strong possibility of moon sighting.

Meanwhile, on the eve of Eidul Fitr, food prices have skyrocketed once again across the country.

In Lahore markets, the price of boneless chicken meat has reached Rs1,200 per kg, while tomato prices have surged from Rs60 to Rs180 per kg.

Similarly, onion prices have increased from Rs40 to Rs60 per kg, lemons from Rs150 to Rs250 per kg, and green chilies from Rs110 to Rs200 per kg. Fruits are also being sold at inflated rates.

Sugar continues to be sold at Rs170 to Rs180 per kg, despite the official rate being Rs164 per kg.

In Rawalpindi, mutton and beef prices had arbitrarily been jacked up ahead of Eid.

The Rawalpindi district administration has imposed fines on profiteers, and 35 shopkeepers were arrested in the Saddar area.

Similarly, in Quetta, the price of chicken meat has risen from Rs750 to Rs840 per kg, while mutton has increased by Rs100 per kg and beef by Rs50 per kg.