The Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, has announced that this year, Muslims across Pakistan will observe Ramadan and Eidul Fitr on the same day.
In an exclusive interview, he expressed optimism that the entire nation will begin fasting together. “Efforts are underway to ensure that Ramadan starts uniformly across the country,” he stated. Maulana Azad also revealed that this year’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting for moon sighting will take place in Peshawar. He emphasized the importance of religious unity, noting that achieving synchronization in fasting and Eid celebrations would bring great joy to the nation.
Read more: Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to Convene on Feb 28 for Ramadan Moon Sighting
He reiterated that the committee is making every possible effort to maintain the tradition of unified religious observances across Pakistan.
In previous years, differing moon-sighting announcements led to regional variations in the start of Ramadan. However, this year, the focus is on fostering national harmony.
On Monday, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) predicted that the first fast of Ramadan in Pakistan is expected to be observed on March 2, with the Ramadan crescent likely to be visible on March 1. The final decision on moon sighting will, however, rest with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
According to a Suparco spokesperson, the Ramadan moon will be born on February 28 at 5:45 PM. However, due to its low altitude and distance, it will be difficult to sight on the same day. Additionally, the moon’s angular distance from the sun will be just seven degrees, making it impossible to see with the naked eye. As a result, the crescent is expected to be visible on March 1, leading to the first fast on March 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is expected to begin Ramadan a day earlier, with the first fast likely on March 1.
Suparco has also forecasted that the Shawwal moon will likely be sighted on March 30, which suggests that Eidul Fitr in Pakistan could fall on March 31. However, the final announcement regarding Eid will also be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
