The Ramadan moon sighting in Pakistan is expected to take place tomorrow as the central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meets in Peshawar to observe the crescent.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), there are fair chances of sighting the Ramadan moon in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar. The department has forecast clear skies in the plains of KP, while upper areas may see partly cloudy conditions.
The PMD stated that by tomorrow evening, the moon’s age will exceed 19 hours. It is also expected to remain visible on the horizon for around 35 minutes. In addition, there are chances of sighting in some areas of Balochistan and Sindh.
Ramadan moon sighting in Pakistan: Official forecasts
In an earlier advisory to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the PMD confirmed that the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH will be born on February 17 at 5:01 pm (PST). Astronomical parameters indicate a fair chance of visibility on the evening of February 18, corresponding to 29th Shaban.
The department’s Climate Data Processing Centre added that most parts of the country are likely to experience fair or partly cloudy weather on the evening of February 18. Therefore, conditions may support crescent visibility in multiple regions.
Region-wise timings for the last moon visibility (PST) on February 18 are as follows:
- Sindh: 7:24pm
- Punjab: 7:08pm
- Balochistan: 7:47pm
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 7:13pm
- AJK: 6:58pm
- Gilgit-Baltistan: 6:53pm
Authorities clarified that areas not listed in the schedule may also observe the moon until moonset according to local timings.
As per tradition, the central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene on Shaban 29. Zonal committees across the country will also meet to collect and verify testimonies of moon sightings before making the official announcement.
Read: PMD Predicts Ramadan Moon Sighting on February 18
Separately, SUPARCO has forecast that the Ramadan crescent is likely to be visible on February 18. If confirmed, February 19 will mark the first day of fasting in Pakistan.
