ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s central moon-sighting committee will meet in Peshawar on Wednesday to determine the start of the holy month of Ramazan, state media reported.
Pakistan traditionally announces the beginning of Islamic months after verifying eyewitness testimony of the crescent moon from across the country, rather than relying solely on astronomical calculations.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee convenes before the start of every Islamic month and ahead of the Eid holidays. It gathers reports from regional and district bodies before issuing a final announcement.
“The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet in Peshawar today for sighting of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak 1447 Hijri moon,” Radio Pakistan said.
Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad will chair the meeting. Zonal and district committees will meet simultaneously to collect and forward testimonies.
Pakistan’s national space agency has said the Ramazan crescent is likely to be visible on Feb. 18. If confirmed, fasting will begin on Feb. 19.
During Ramazan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The month ends with Eid-ul-Fitr, a major religious festival observed worldwide.
