Railways announces 20pc cut in fares on Eidul Fitr

LAHORE: In order to promote rail travel and facilitate passengers on the eve of Eidul Fitr, the Pakistan Railways (PR) has announced a 20% cut in train fares during the festive season.

According to an official notification issued on Saturday, the discounted fares will be applicable on all mail, express and intercity trains for the first three days of the Eid. Passengers making advance bookings will also be eligible for the reduced fares. However, the discount will not apply to Eid Special Trains. The PR has directed all booking offices to strictly implement the fare reduction to ensure passengers benefit from the offer. The initiative was expected to provide financial relief and convenience to those travelling to their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their families, read the statement.

Earlier this week, the federal government officially announced the public holidays for Eid, granting a three-day break.

As per a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, the holidays would run from Monday (March 31) to Wednesday, (April 2).

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, along with zonal committees are set to convene on March 30, 2025 (corresponding to Ramazan 29, 1446 AH), to sight the Shawwal moon, marking the potential end of the holy month of Ramazan.

The moonsighting committee’s meeting will be held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. Religious scholars, meteorological experts, and other stakeholders will deliberate on moon sighting reports from across the country during the session to determine the date for Eidul Fitr celebrations across Pakistan. The beginning of the ninth and holiest month in the Muslim calendar — as well as the Eid holidays and the mourning month of Muharram — is determined by the sighting of the new moon.