Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is meeting today in Karachi to determine the beginning of the Islamic month of Zilhaj and officially announce the expected date of Eidul Azha. The important session is taking place on 29 Ziqadah as authorities review moon-sighting reports collected from different regions across the country. Moreover, the outcome of the meeting will decide when millions of Muslims in Pakistan observe one of the year’s biggest religious occasions.
The meeting is being held at the Pakistan Meteorological Department office under the chairmanship of Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, who leads the country’s central moon-sighting process. Officials from religious and meteorological departments are participating in the session to evaluate weather conditions and moon visibility reports before making a final announcement. Furthermore, authorities aim to ensure a transparent and coordinated process for confirming the beginning of Zilhaj nationwide.
Read more : Zilhaj moon sighting meeting set for Saturday
Alongside the central session in Karachi, zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal committees are also gathering in their respective cities to collect local testimonies regarding moon visibility. These regional committees will forward verified reports to the central body for final review and confirmation before any official declaration is issued. Meanwhile, citizens across the country are closely following developments as preparations for Eidul Azha intensify in homes, markets and transport sectors.
Pakistan’s space agency SUPARCO has already issued an early forecast suggesting a strong possibility that the Zilhaj crescent could become visible during today’s observation process. According to scientific assessments, weather and astronomical conditions appear favourable for moon sighting in several parts of the country. Consequently, the prediction has increased public interest and expectations ahead of the committee’s final decision regarding Eidul Azha.
Read more : Punjab Cabinet committee reviews Eidul Azha security arrangements
If the crescent is sighted and officially confirmed, Eidul Azha in Pakistan is expected to fall on May 27, allowing authorities and citizens to finalise religious and travel arrangements. The festival holds deep religious significance as Muslims perform animal sacrifices and gather with family members to celebrate the occasion. However, the final announcement regarding moon visibility and the start of Zilhaj will only be made after the committee completes its nationwide verification process.