ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has announced that the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH will be born on February 17 at 5:01pm (PST), with a fair chance of sighting on the evening of February 18.
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In an advisory to the Research and Reference Wing of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the PMD said the moon will emerge at the conjunction point on February 17, with astronomical parameters indicating favorable conditions for moon sighting on February 18, corresponding to 29th Shaban 1447 AH.
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The department’s Climate Data Processing Centre (CDPC) noted that weather is expected to be partly cloudy or fair across most parts of the country, which could support sighting efforts.
The PMD also shared region-wise timings for the last visibility of the moon on February 18 (PST): Sindh until 7:24pm, Punjab 7:08pm, Balochistan 7:47pm, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 7:13pm, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 6:58pm, and Gilgit-Baltistan 6:53pm. Stations not listed in the schedule may also observe the moon until moonset according to local conditions.
Traditionally, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene on 29th Shaban, while zonal committees in various regions will receive and assess moon-sighting reports. Clerics from all schools of thought will attend the central session to officially determine the start of Ramadan.
Millions of Pakistanis, along with Muslims worldwide, observe the holy month with daily fasts from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is also marked by heightened charitable activities, including public food drives and roadside stalls to provide iftar meals to the needy.
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With the PMD forecasting favorable conditions for moon sighting, communities across Pakistan are preparing for the religious observances of the ninth Islamic month, celebrated with devotion, prayer, and acts of charity.