QUETTA: The crescent moon marking the beginning of Muharram 1447 AH has been sighted in Pakistan, signaling the start of the new Islamic year. The first of Muharram will be observed on Friday, June 27, while Youm-e-Ashura—the 10th of Muharram—will fall on Sunday, July 6.
The official announcement came after a meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Quetta. The session was chaired by committee head Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad and attended by zonal committee members, representatives of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, local officials, and religious scholars from various sects.
Despite dusty weather and reduced visibility in Quetta, the moon—aged 28 hours and 38 minutes—was sighted during the visibility window between 8:10 PM and 9:00 PM, according to the Meteorological Department.
Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad formally confirmed the sighting during a press briefing, following coordination with zonal committees nationwide.
Muharram marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed with reverence across Pakistan. The month reaches its peak on Ashura, the day of mourning for Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions who were martyred in the Battle of Karbala.
