Pakistan is expected to sight the Ramzan moon on February 18, as the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee (CRHC) is scheduled to hold its official meeting in Peshawar on the same day to confirm the start of the holy month.
According to astronomers, there is a strong possibility of moon sighting on 29th Sha’ban 1447 Hijri. Experts say the new moon will be born on February 17 at 5:01 pm, making visibility on the evening of February 18 highly likely across most parts of the country.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also supported this assessment, stating that weather conditions on the evening of February 18 are expected to remain clear or partly cloudy in most regions, improving the chances of moon sighting.
As per the official schedule, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting will take place in Peshawar, while zonal committees across the country will collect and forward moon sighting testimonies. The CRHC will make the final announcement regarding the start of Ramzan 2026 in Pakistan after reviewing verified reports.
Also Read: Ramzan 2026: Longest and shortest fasting hours worldwide
Moon Sighting Timings Across Pakistan
Astronomers have also shared the last possible moon sighting times in various regions:
- Punjab: Up to 7:08 pm
- Sindh: Up to 7:24 pm
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Up to 7:13 pm
- Balochistan: Up to 7:47 pm
- Azad Kashmir: Up to 6:58 pm
- Gilgit-Baltistan: Up to 6:53 pm
Experts note that the moon’s age and altitude on February 18 meet the scientific criteria for visibility, strengthening expectations that Ramzan will begin in Pakistan on February 19, subject to official confirmation.
Religious authorities have reiterated that the sighting of the moon remains the sole basis for declaring the start of Ramzan, and citizens are advised to rely only on the official announcement by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
If the moon is sighted on February 18, the first Roza (fast) will be observed on Wednesday, February 19. Otherwise, Ramzan will begin a day later.
