The Pakistan Meteorological Department has announced that the Ramadan moon for 1447 AH is expected to be sighted on the evening of February 18, potentially marking the start of the holy month on February 19.
According to the PMD’s advisory to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the new moon will be born at 5:01 pm PST on February 17. Based on astronomical calculations and favorable weather conditions, there is a fair chance of sighting the crescent on February 18, which corresponds to the 29th of Shaban 1447 AH.
The department’s Climate Data Processing Centre has indicated that the sky across most parts of the country is expected to remain clear or partly cloudy on February 18, increasing the likelihood of successful moon sighting. The PMD has provided specific moonset timings for different regions to assist observation efforts: 7:24 pm in Sindh, 7:08 pm in Punjab, 7:47 pm in Balochistan, 7:13 pm in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 6:58 pm in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and 6:53 pm in Gilgit-Baltistan.
While the PMD’s prediction is based on scientific astronomical data, the official announcement will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee following its traditional session on the 29th of Shaban. The committee, comprising clerics from all schools of thought, will assess testimonies from zonal committees across the country before confirming the commencement of Ramadan.
Muslims across Pakistan and worldwide observe Ramadan with fasting from dawn to sunset, accompanied by increased prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection. The month is marked by heightened religious devotion and community spirit throughout the nation.
