The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet in Peshawar on February 18 to sight the Ramadan crescent. The meeting will determine the start of Ramadan 1447AH in Pakistan.
Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad will chair the central session. Meanwhile, zonal committees will hold parallel meetings in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta.
The final announcement will confirm whether Ramadan begins on February 19 or February 20.
Scientific Projections and Moon Birth
According to projections from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the new moon is expected to be born on February 17. However, visibility on that date appears unlikely in several regions.
Reports indicate the crescent may not be visible on February 17 in Saudi Arabia, the United States, Africa, and Europe. Therefore, attention has shifted to February 18.
Scientific assessments suggest the crescent will be easily visible on February 18 in Pakistan and other countries. Cities including Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Makkah are expected to have clear visibility.
If confirmed, the first day of Ramadan in Pakistan will likely fall on February 19.
Pakistan Meteorological Department Advisory
The Pakistan Meteorological Department stated that the moon will be born at the conjunction point at 5:01 pm on February 17. Astronomical parameters indicate a fair chance of sighting on February 18, which marks the 29th of Sha’ban 1447AH.
Climate data suggests partly cloudy or fair weather across most parts of the country on the evening of February 18. Consequently, visibility conditions may support moon sighting efforts.
The department also shared region-wise timings for moon visibility on February 18. The crescent may remain visible until 7:24 pm in Sindh. In Punjab, it may be visible until 7:08 pm.
In Balochistan, visibility may extend until 7:47 pm. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may observe it until 7:13 pm. Azad Jammu and Kashmir may have visibility until 6:58 pm. Gilgit Baltistan may observe it until 6:53 pm.
Other stations may also sight the moon according to their regional sunset times.
Official Announcement and Religious Observance
In line with established practice, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will evaluate testimonies on the 29th of Sha’ban. Clerics from different schools of thought will attend the session.
After reviewing evidence, the committee will formally announce the start of Ramadan 1447AH. Therefore, the decision will follow both religious tradition and astronomical guidance.
Ramadan holds deep religious significance for Muslims in Pakistan and worldwide. During this month, believers fast from dawn until sunset.
Moreover, communities increase charitable activities and organize public iftar arrangements. Across Pakistan, roadside stalls often provide food to those returning home at sunset.
The Ramadan 1447AH moon sighting Pakistan decision now rests on observations expected on February 18. Consequently, millions await the official announcement to begin the holy month.
