Pakistan moon-sighting committee to meet today to determine start of Ramadan

Pakistan’s central moon-sighting committee will meet in the northwestern city of Peshawar today, Wednesday, to determine the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, state media reported. Unlike many countries that rely primarily on astronomical calculations, Pakistan traditionally announces Islamic dates after verified eyewitness testimony of the crescent moon from across the country. Pakistan’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee (RHC) convenes before the start of every Islamic month and before the Eid holidays, collecting reports from regional committees and citizens before making 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 reported. The meeting will be chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, while zonal and district committees will gather in parallel to submit testimonies. Pakistan’s national space agency has said the Ramadan crescent is likely to be visible on Feb. 18, meaning fasting would begin on Feb. 19 if confirmed. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The month concludes with Eid Al-Fitr, a major religious holiday celebrated globally.