ISLAMABAD: Muslims across Pakistan are expected to celebrate Eidul Azha on May 27 if the Zil Hajj moon is sighted today, as the Central and Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committees convene in Karachi and Lahore to observe the crescent.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet at the Pakistan Meteorological Department in Karachi to review moon sighting reports from across the country. Meanwhile, the Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will hold its meeting at Aiwan-e-Auqaf in Lahore to collect eyewitness testimonies from different parts of Punjab.
Officials stated that the director general of religious affairs will chair the Lahore committee meeting. After reviewing all received reports, the zonal committee will forward its findings to the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which will make the final announcement regarding the sighting of the Zil Hajj crescent.
In addition, the Pakistan Meteorological Department indicated that the chances of moon sighting are strong because the moon’s age will exceed 18 hours today. Meteorological experts believe weather conditions and the moon’s visibility are favourable for observation in several regions of the country.
If the crescent is sighted this evening, the first day of Zil Hajj will begin on Monday, May 18, while Eidul Azha will be celebrated nationwide on Wednesday, May 27. However, if the moon is not sighted, the Islamic month will begin a day later, shifting Eid celebrations to May 28.
Preparations for Eidul Azha have already intensified in major cities, with cattle markets witnessing increased activity and authorities implementing traffic and security measures to manage the expected rush during the religious festival.
