Suparco projects Ramadan in Pakistan to begin on Feb 19
“Suparco’s astronomical assessment suggests the Ramadan crescent will most likely be visible on Feb 18, pointing to Feb 19 as the first fast in Pakistan.”
Key points
- Suparco’s astronomical assessment suggests the Ramadan crescent will most likely be visible on Feb 18, pointing to Feb 19 as the first fast in Pakistan.
- The final announcement will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after moon-sighting meetings across the country.
Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has forecast that the Ramadan 1447 Hijri crescent is likely to be visible on the evening of February 18, which would make February 19 the probable first day of fasting.
Suparco said the new moon is expected to be born on February 17 at 5:01pm Pakistan Standard Time. Based on astronomical calculations, the agency noted that by sunset on February 18 the moon’s age would be around 25 hours and 48 minutes, improving visibility.
The space agency added that coastal areas may see a gap of roughly 59 minutes between sunset and moonset on February 18, which typically enhances the chances of sighting the crescent with the naked eye.
Suparco stressed, however, that the official start of the Islamic month will be announced by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after receiving and verifying testimonies from across the country.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to meet in Peshawar on February 18, while zonal committees will convene in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Quetta.
Separately, sources cited within the Ministry of Science and Technology indicated that Ramadan could begin on the same date in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia this year, noting that the crescent is unlikely to be visible in many regions on February 17 but is expected to be easier to see on February 18.
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