Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has convened in Peshawar to sight the Ramazan Moon, marking the start of the holy month. Experts have predicted bright chances of visibility, and the first fast is expected to be observed on February 19 if the crescent is confirmed.
The meeting is chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, who will review moon sighting reports from across Pakistan before making the official announcement. Committee members are examining testimonies from various zonal committees to ensure accurate verification.
The Meteorological Department has indicated a strong possibility of seeing the Ramazan Moon today. Officials said that if the crescent is sighted, Muslims across Pakistan will begin fasting tomorrow. The birth of the moon was recorded at 5:15 PM the previous day, making it around 25 hours old at sunset.
SUPARCO (Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) has also projected that the first Ramazan fast will likely start on February 19. The agency reported that in coastal areas, the time between sunset and moonset will be favorable, providing clear visibility conditions for the Ramazan Moon.
Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meetings are underway in major cities to support the central decision. In Lahore, the meeting is chaired by Auqaf and Religious Affairs DG Shahid Hassan Kalyani, though clouds in the region may reduce visibility. Islamabad’s meeting includes representatives from SUPARCO, the Ministry of Science and Technology, meteorologists, and other members to collect verified moon sighting evidence.
Efforts are also ongoing in Faisalabad, Sukkur, and Karachi. Sukkur reports clear skies and high chances of sighting the crescent. In Karachi, the zonal meeting is led by Hafiz Muhammad Salafi at the Meteorological Department, with scholars and SUPARCO representatives participating.
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Once all findings are collected, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will announce the official sighting of the Ramazan Moon. If confirmed, Muslims across Pakistan will observe their first fast tomorrow, beginning the sacred month of Ramazan with prayers, fasting, and devotion.
