The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene today (Wednesday) in Peshawar to determine the beginning of the holy month of Ramazan 1447 AH.

The meeting will be chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, and will take place at the conference room of the Department of Auqaf, Hajj, Religious and Minority Affairs.

Alongside the central session, zonal Ruet-e-Hilal committee meetings will also be held in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta, following a notification issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Moon sighting testimonies from across the country will be compiled and reviewed before a final decision is announced.

Also Read: NDMA predicts Ramazan weather with warm days across Pakistan

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), there is a strong likelihood that the Ramazan moon will be sighted on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, with the first fast expected on February 19, 2026, subject to official confirmation.

The PMD’s Climate Data Processing Centre stated that astronomical conditions are favorable, as February 18 corresponds to the 29th of Shaban, increasing the probability of moon visibility.

Meanwhile, SUPARCO has also issued a scientific forecast supporting the same timeline. According to SUPARCO, the new moon was born on February 17, 2026, at 5:01 PM (PST). By sunset on February 18, the moon’s age will be approximately 25 hours and 48 minutes, a duration considered suitable for naked-eye sighting.

SUPARCO further noted that coastal areas may experience a 59-minute gap between sunset and moonset, significantly improving visibility conditions.

If confirmed, Ramazan in Pakistan will officially begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, marking the start of fasting, prayers, and religious observances nationwide.