ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said that the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH will be born on February 17 at 5:01pm (PST). It added that there is a good chance the moon will be sighted on the evening of February 18.
In a letter sent to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the PMD said the moon will be born at the point of conjunction on February 17. It said astronomical details for February 18, which will be the 29th of Shaban 1447 AH, show that moon sighting is possible.
The PMD’s Climate Data Processing Centre said that weather conditions on the evening of February 18 are expected to remain fair or partly cloudy in most parts of the country, which may help moon sighting.
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According to tradition, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on the 29th of Shaban, while zonal committees will also hold meetings in their respective areas to receive and review moon sighting reports.
Clerics from different schools of thought will attend the central meeting to decide the start of Ramadan.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed with great religious spirit. During the holy month, millions of Pakistanis and Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset.
In Pakistan, Ramadan is also marked by increased charity and public food drives. Many people set up roadside stalls to offer free food and drinks to those returning home in the evening.
