ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is meeting today to determine the sighting of the Shawwal 1447 AH crescent, which will decide the date of Eid ul Fitr across the country.
The session is being chaired by Chairman Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad and is taking place at the Kohsar Block of the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Thursday (29th of Ramadan). A representative from the Meteorological Department is also attending the meeting to provide technical input.
Alongside the central meeting, zonal moon sighting committees are convening in different cities, and their reports will be forwarded to the national body for the final decision based on verified testimonies.
The SUPARCO has indicated that astronomical conditions suggest a low probability of the moon being sighted today.
In the region, several countries have already announced their Eid schedules. Saudi Arabia confirmed that the Shawwal moon was not observed, completing 30 days of Ramadan before Eid. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have declared that Eid ul Fitr will fall on Friday, March 20.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan has already begun Eid celebrations after religious authorities reported confirmed moon sightings in multiple provinces, including Farah, Helmand, and Ghor, where testimonies were accepted by the Supreme Court.
Pakistan’s final announcement regarding Eid will be made after the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee completes its review of all submitted reports from across the country.
