The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet in Peshawar on Wednesday to sight the Ramazan moon and decide when the first fast will be observed in Pakistan.
Authorities say there are strong chances of moon sighting, raising expectations that fasting may begin on Thursday. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued an official notification confirming the meeting.
According to the notification, the session will be chaired by the chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad said there are strong chances of sighting the moon. He hoped that the first fast will be observed on the same day across the entire country.
He emphasized that the final decision will be made in accordance with Sharia after reviewing testimonies from across Pakistan. “From wherever we receive evidence, we will examine it and decide according to Sharia,” he said.
Zonal committees to meet nationwide
Alongside the central meeting in Peshawar, zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meetings will also be held in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Quetta.
The final announcement regarding the beginning of Ramazan will be made after reviewing reports from all regions during the February 18 meeting.
Scientific forecast indicates strong possibility
It is noteworthy that, based on scientific calculations, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) has indicated a strong possibility that the Ramazan moon will be sighted on Wednesday.
If confirmed, the first day of fasting will be observed on Thursday across Pakistan.
The nation now awaits the official announcement from the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which will determine the start of the holy month of Ramazan.
