ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to hold its meeting today in Peshawar to observe and verify the sighting of the Ramadan 1447 Hijri moon. The session will be led by Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, with members from the central committee present.
Simultaneously, regional zonal committees will assemble at their respective offices across the country to coordinate efforts. An official announcement regarding the start of Ramadan will be issued after the committee’s discussions and moon sighting reports are reviewed.
Earlier predictions by SUPARCO indicated that the new lunar month of Ramadan 1447 AH could begin following the birth of the new moon on February 17 at 5:01 pm Pakistan Standard Time. This timing enhances the possibility of moon sighting on the following evening.
Based on astronomical calculations, the moon will be approximately 25 hours and 48 minutes old by sunset on February 18, a period considered highly suitable for visibility. Additionally, the time gap between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastline is projected to be around 59 minutes, offering a good chance for observers to sight the crescent.
According to SUPARCO’s statement, the probability of visually spotting the new moon on the evening of February 18 appears promising based on key astronomical factors. The agency estimates that Ramadan could commence on February 19, 2026.
However, SUPARCO clarified that the official declaration will be made by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after collecting and authenticating moon sighting testimonies from across Pakistan, which remains the official authority for determining the start of Ramadan.
