The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has officially confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan moon, announcing that the first fast (Roza) of the holy month will be observed across Pakistan on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Speaking to the media, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad declared: “The moon of Ramadan 1447 Hijri has been sighted. Tomorrow, Thursday, will mark the beginning of Ramadan”. The committee’s meeting took place in Peshawar on Wednesday evening following Maghrib prayers.
Zonal committees held parallel meetings in provincial capitals, collecting eyewitness testimonies from across the country. The committee first received confirmations from Dir and Sawabi, followed by six additional reports from Mohmand. Observers from Karachi also submitted verified sightings.
“Based on these testimonies, it was decided that the Ramadan moon has been sighted in the country, and the first Ramadan will be observed on Thursday, February 19, 2026”, the chairman announced.
Pakistan’s announcement came a day after Saudi Arabia and several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait, confirmed the sighting of the crescent and began fasting on Wednesday, February 18.
Ramadan 2026 is expected to end on 20 March 2026 in Pakistan, completing 30 days of fasting. Eid ul Fitr 2026 is expected on Saturday, 21 March 2026, subject to moon sighting confirmation.
This year’s Ramadan brings welcome relief for Pakistani Muslims. Fasting hours will range between 12 to 13 hours, far more manageable than the scorching 16-18 hour fasts experienced during summer months in recent years. The pleasant winter weather will make fasting more comfortable as temperatures gradually rise from mid-March.
More than a billion Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan by fasting from dawn to sunset as an act of worship marked by reflection, self-restraint, and charity.
