Central and Zonal Committees Gather Testimonies
A pivotal meeting of Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is currently underway in Peshawar to officially sight the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447 Hijri. The session, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, commenced after 5 PM at the Auqaf Hall. Simultaneously, zonal committees in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Islamabad are convened to collect and scrutinize local moon sighting reports from their respective regions.
Scientific Forecasts and Regional Timings
The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), along with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), are assisting the committee with scientific data. Suparco forecasts indicate the Ramadan crescent is likely visible on February 18, 2026. Astronomical calculations estimate the moon’s age at sunset will be approximately 25 hours and 48 minutes, with a favorable 59-minute window between sunset and moonset in coastal areas, increasing chances of naked-eye sighting. If confirmed, the first day of fasting is expected to be Thursday, February 19.
International Context and Lunar Calendar
The sighting follows confirmations from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, including the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, where fasting began on Wednesday. However, several other nations, including Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Turkiye, reported no sighting on Tuesday. The start of Islamic months is determined by lunar sightings, causing Ramadan to shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each Gregorian year. This annual observance sees over a billion Muslims worldwide engage in fasting, prayer, and reflection.
This is a developing story. The committee’s official announcement will determine the commencement of the holy month for millions of Pakistani Muslims.
