ISLAMABAD: The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has issued its scientific forecast for the sighting of the Ramadan 1447 AH crescent, predicting that the holy month is likely to begin in Pakistan on February 19 .
According to a SUPARCO spokesperson, the Ramadan moon is expected to be visible to the naked eye on the evening of Wednesday, February 18. The new moon will be born on February 17 at 5:15pm Pakistan Standard Time. By sunset on February 18, the moon’s age will be approximately 25 hours and 48 minutes — a duration considered highly favourable for visibility under clear weather conditions .
The space agency highlighted that coastal areas of Pakistan will experience a gap of around 59 minutes between sunset and moonset, providing an ample window for observation . On the basis of these astronomical parameters, SUPARCO assessed the chances of sighting the crescent as “very bright” .
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has independently supported this assessment, forecasting partly cloudy to clear skies across most parts of the country on February 18, which may further aid moon-sighting efforts .
Meanwhile the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has summoned a meeting in Peshawar on February 18 for the sighting of the Ramazan-ul-Mubarak moon, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced on Wednesday.
The meeting will be chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. Members from across the country are expected to attend the session, where the final decision regarding the commencement of the holy month will be formally announced.
According to an official notification issued by the ministry, zonal committees will simultaneously convene in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta to collect and verify moon sighting evidence. These regional bodies will remain in close coordination with the central committee in Peshawar. The process will rely on traditional testimonies, including eyewitness accounts and meteorological data.
