(Web Desk) - The holy month of Ramazan is likely to begin on February 19, as the crescent moon is expected to be sighted on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The PMD’s Climate Data Processing Centre stated that, based on astronomical calculations, there is a strong possibility of sighting the Ramazan 1447 AH moon on February 18, which corresponds to the 29th of Shaban.
Officials said the new moon will be born on February 17 at 5:01pm. Weather conditions across most parts of the country are forecast to remain clear or partly cloudy on February 18, increasing the likelihood of visibility.
The department also shared the expected final timings for moon sighting across different regions: 6:58pm in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 7:47pm in Balochistan, 7:24pm in Sindh, 7:13pm in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 7:08pm in Punjab, and 6:53pm in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Earlier forecasts had suggested that Ramazan would begin on February 19, with Eidul Fitr likely to be observed on March 21. Secretary General of the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, Khalid Ijaz Mufti, had also indicated that astronomical data supports the likelihood of the crescent being sighted on February 18.
However, he stressed that these predictions are not final, as the official announcement regarding the start of Islamic months rests solely with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, following the verification of moon sighting testimonies.
Ramazan is a sacred month observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, charity, and spiritual reflection. From dawn to sunset, believers abstain from food and drink, focusing on self-discipline, worship, and helping those in need.