The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted the likely date for the sighting of the Zilhaj moon.
The PMD anticipates the birth of the Zilhaj moon on June 18 at approximately 9:37 pm, noting that partial cloud cover might be present over most of the country.
Drawing from observatory data, the PMD suggests a high likelihood of observing the Zilhaj moon on June 19, coinciding with the 29th day of Zilqad.
Should the Zilhaj moon be sighted on the projected date, the PMD estimates Eidul Azha to fall on Thursday, June 29. A meeting of the central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, scheduled on the 29th day of every Islamic month, determines the sighting of the moon, and the central committee makes the final announcement.
Eidul Azha remembers the Quranic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, only for the Almighty to replace his son with a ram for the sacrifice. This event culminates the yearly Hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah, one of the five pillars of Islam, and is a duty for all Muslims who have the means to undertake it.