Central Committee to Convene in Peshawar
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee (RHC) will meet in Peshawar on February 18 to sight the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447 AH. The session, to be chaired by Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad, will determine whether the holy month commences on February 19 or 20.
Nationwide Sighting Efforts
Concurrently, zonal moon-sighting committees will convene in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta, as confirmed by a formal notification from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. This coordinated effort follows the established practice of gathering testimonies from across the country.
Potential Synchronization with Saudi Arabia
Sources within the Ministry of Science and Technology indicate a strong likelihood that Ramadan will begin simultaneously in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia this year. Scientific projections suggest the new moon will be born on February 17 but will not be visible in Saudi Arabia, the United States, Africa, or Europe on that date.
However, the crescent is expected to be easily visible on February 18 in Pakistan and several other countries, including clear sightings anticipated in Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Makkah. If confirmed, the first day of Ramadan in Pakistan will likely be February 19.
Meteorological Department’s Forecast
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an advisory stating the moon will be born at 5:01 PM PST on February 17. Astronomical parameters indicate a fair chance of sighting on February 18 (29th Shaban).
The Climate Data Processing Centre notes that weather conditions on the evening of February 18 are expected to be partly cloudy or fair in most parts of the country, which may support visibility. The PMD provided region-wise last sighting timings (PST) for February 18:
- Sindh: Until 7:24 PM
- Punjab: Until 7:08 PM
- Balochistan: Until 7:47 PM
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Until 7:13 PM
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Until 6:58 PM
- Gilgit Baltistan: Until 6:53 PM
Observance and Traditions
Ramadan is observed with religious fervor by millions of Pakistanis and billions of Muslims worldwide, who fast from dawn till sunset. In Pakistan, the month is marked by increased charity, public food drives, and the establishment of roadside stalls for those returning home in the evening.
The RHC’s final announcement will follow the evaluation of crescent sighting testimonies, with clerics from all schools of thought in attendance to formally declare the start of the holy month.
