ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has announced that the new moon for Ramadan 1447 AH is expected to be born on February 17 at 5:01 pm (PST). Based on astronomical calculations, there is a reasonable chance that the moon will be sighted on the evening of February 18.
In an official advisory sent to the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Research and Reference Wing, the PMD explained that the moon’s birth at the conjunction point will occur at 5:01 pm on February 17. Their data suggests favorable conditions for moon sighting on the evening of February 18, which corresponds to 29th Shaban 1447 AH.
According to the Climate Data Processing Centre (CDPC), weather forecasts indicate partly cloudy or clear skies across most regions of Pakistan on February 18, potentially aiding moon visibility during the evening.
The department also provided regional timings for the last possible moment to observe the moon (PST) on February 18. In Sindh, the moon will remain visible until 7:24 pm; in Punjab, until 7:08 pm; in Balochistan, until 7:47 pm; in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, until 7:13 pm; in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, until 6:58 pm; and in Gilgit-Baltistan, until 6:53 pm. It was noted that regions not listed may also witness the moon until moonset, depending on local conditions.
Traditionally, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene on Shaban 29 to receive moon sighting reports from across the country. Zonal committees will participate in regional assessments, and religious scholars from various schools of thought will gather to determine the official start of Ramadan.
This holy month is expected to be observed with great religious enthusiasm and community spirit across Pakistan. Muslims will undertake fasting from dawn to sunset, while the country will see an increase in charitable activities, including food drives and roadside stalls aimed at helping those in need during the month of fasting.
