Afghanistan to observe Eid al-Fitr on Thursday following moon sighting

​​​​​ISLAMABAD

Afghanistan announced Wednesday that the moon has been sighted and the Eid al-Fitr holiday to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramada will be observed Thursday.

Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the Supreme Court of Afghanistan has officially declared Thursday as the first day of Eid al-Fitr.

He added the announcement was made after several people sighted the crescent moon in several provinces, including Farah, Helmand and Ghor.

The government also announced that it released 4.596 prisoners Wednesday for Eid al-Fitr, while the sentences of 4,407 have been reduced, according to the Tolo News broadcaster.