ISLAMABAD: According to a forecast from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the holy month of Ramazan in 2026 is expected to begin on 19 February, contingent upon moon sighting conditions.
The meteorological experts predict that the new moon for Ramazan will be born on 17 February 2026 at 5:01 pm. This timing suggests a strong possibility of observing the moon on the evening of 18 February.
It is noteworthy that at sunset on 18 February, the moon’s age will be roughly 26 hours, which is generally favorable for visibility. The sunset in Islamabad is expected at 6:25 pm, followed by the moon setting at approximately 7:24 pm, allowing ample time for moon sighting efforts.
However, the Met Office has also issued a caution regarding the weather, indicating partly cloudy skies across much of the country, which could pose challenges for sighting the moon in certain regions.
Despite potential obstacles, experts remain optimistic about sighting the Ramazan moon on 19 February 2026, as the moon’s age at that time will meet the minimum visibility criteria, which is typically around 19 hours.
