The Ramadan 1447 moon sighting Pakistan update suggests a fair chance of visibility on the evening of February 18, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
In an advisory sent to the Research and Reference Wing of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the PMD said the new moon will be born at the conjunction point on February 17 at 5:01 pm (PST). Astronomical calculations indicate that February 18, corresponding to 29th Shaban 1447 AH, offers a reasonable possibility of sighting.
The department’s Climate Data Processing Centre (CDPC) further noted that weather conditions are expected to be partly cloudy or fair in most parts of the country. These conditions may support visibility for moon-sighting efforts.
Read: Ramadan 2026 Likely to Begin on February 19 in Pakistan
Ramadan 1447 Moon Sighting Pakistan: Region-Wise Timings
The PMD also shared region-wise moon visibility timings for February 18 (PST). According to the advisory:
- Sindh: visible until 7:24 pm
- Punjab: visible until 7:08 pm
- Balochistan: visible until 7:47 pm
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): visible until 7:13 pm
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK): visible until 6:58 pm
- Gilgit-Baltistan (GB): visible until 6:53 pm
The department added that locations not listed in the moon-coordinate schedule may also observe the moon until moonset, depending on their regional timing.
As per tradition, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene on Shaban 29 to review sighting reports. Zonal committees will also meet in their respective regions to gather and verify testimonies before making an official announcement.
Clerics representing different schools of thought will attend the central meeting. They will assess both astronomical data and eyewitness reports before declaring the beginning of Ramadan.
The holy month of Ramadan is observed with deep religious devotion. Muslims fast from dawn until sunset and engage in prayer, reflection, and charity.
In Pakistan, Ramadan is also marked by widespread public food drives and community support initiatives. Many people set up roadside stalls to provide meals to commuters returning home at sunset.
With the PMD predicting favourable conditions, attention now turns to the official announcement by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
