The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee announced on Friday that the moon for Ramazan was not sighted anywhere in Pakistan, confirming that the first day of fasting will commence on Sunday, March 2.
Speaking to the media in Peshawar, Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad stated that zonal Ruet-i-Hilal committees across the country were set up to receive testimonies regarding the moon sighting.
“No credible testimony was received from any part of the country,” he said, adding that after thorough deliberation, a unanimous decision was made to begin Ramazan on March 2.
Government Confirms Moon Sighting Decision
Following the committee’s announcement, the federal government also confirmed the decision through a notification issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. According to the official notification, Sha’aban will complete 30 days, and Ramazan 1 will commence on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, the 24-member Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee convened in Peshawar, while zonal committees in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and other major cities also gathered to observe the moon.
The committee’s efforts were hindered by overcast conditions in Peshawar and heavy rain in Balochistan’s coastal areas, which further reduced the likelihood of spotting the crescent moon.
A member of the Quetta zonal committee, Maulana Anwarul Haq Haqqani, confirmed that no sighting was reported in Balochistan. “The central committee was informed about the weather conditions and the absence of any moon sighting,” he stated. Similarly, the zonal committee in Islamabad reported that the Ramazan moon was not visible in the capital.
Scientific Predictions Align with Committee’s Decision
Earlier this week, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) had already projected that Ramazan would commence on March 2, with Eidul Fitr likely to be observed on March 31.
According to Suparco, astronomical calculations indicated that the new moon (conjunction) for Ramazan would occur on February 28 at 05:45 PST. However, due to key factors such as the moon’s age, its angular separation from the sun, altitude at sunset, and atmospheric conditions, its visibility on that date was deemed extremely low.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) also corroborated this forecast, stating on February 7 that the moon would not be visible on February 28 under astronomical parameters.
Ramazan Start Dates Differ Across Regions
In Saudi Arabia, the new moon is expected to be visible on February 28 due to clearer atmospheric conditions and the moon’s relative position to the horizon. Consequently, Ramazan in Saudi Arabia will begin on March 1. However, in Pakistan, fasting will start a day later, on March 2.
Additionally, Suparco’s projections indicate that the Shawwal moon will be visible on March 30, meaning Eidul Fitr will likely be celebrated on March 31 in Pakistan.
The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee’s decision aligns with religious and scientific assessments, ensuring that the holy month begins with clarity and consensus.
