(Web Desk) – Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene in Peshawar on Wednesday to observe the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447 Hijri, a key step in determining the official start of the Islamic holy month in the country.
The meeting will be chaired by committee head Maulana Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, while zonal and district-level moon-sighting committees will simultaneously hold sessions in their respective regions. The final announcement regarding the start of Ramadan will be made after reviewing verified testimonies and evidence of moon sighting from across Pakistan.
Ramadan is one of the most significant months in the Islamic calendar, observed by millions of Muslims worldwide through fasting, prayers, and increased acts of charity. In Pakistan, the official declaration by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee traditionally determines when the first fast is observed nationwide.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s national space agency, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), has issued astronomical forecasts regarding the crescent moon’s visibility. According to the agency, the new moon is expected to be born on February 17 at approximately 5:01 pm local time. By sunset on February 18, the moon’s age is predicted to be about 25 hours and 48 minutes, increasing the likelihood that it could be visible to the naked eye under favorable weather conditions.
Based on these calculations, Ramadan is expected to begin in Pakistan on February 19, although the official decision will depend on verified moon-sighting reports received by the committee.
Authorities typically emphasize coordination between scientific data and traditional moon-sighting practices to ensure accuracy and national consensus. Citizens are encouraged to report credible sightings through designated channels, while religious scholars and meteorological experts continue to monitor atmospheric conditions that may affect visibility.
The final announcement by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is expected later on Wednesday evening following deliberations and evaluation of testimonies from across the country.
