ISLAMABAD: The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has made an important prediction regarding the sighting of the Ramadan moon in Pakistan.
According to SUPARCO, the new moon for Ramadan 1446 Hijri will be born on February 28, 2025, at 5:45 AM Pakistan Standard Time. By sunset, the moon will be 12 hours old and at an altitude of 5 degrees, making it difficult to spot.
SUPARCO further stated that on February 28, the angular distance between the moon and the sun will be 7 degrees, making it unlikely to be visible to the naked eye. Based on this, the Ramadan moon in Pakistan is expected to be sighted on the evening of March 1, with the first fast likely on March 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, the crescent may be visible on February 28. If confirmed, Ramadan in these countries will begin on March 1, while the Shawwal moon is expected to be seen on March 30, leading to Eid-ul-Fitr on March 31.
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The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on February 28 in Peshawar to officially confirm the moon sighting. The meeting, chaired by Maulana Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, will be held at the Auqaf Department building, with zonal and district committees convening at their respective locations.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also reported that the new moon will be born on February 28 at 5:45 AM and is expected to be visible on the evening of March 1. If the moon is sighted on February 28, Ramadan in Pakistan will begin on March 1. Otherwise, the first fast will likely be on March 2.
As preparations for Ramadan are already underway across the country, SUPARCO has clarified that the final decision on moon sighting in Pakistan rests with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
