The official Saudi Press Agency confirmed on X that Wednesday would mark the start of Ramazan in the kingdom. Gulf News also reported the sightings and confirmed the dates.

In Afghanistan, Tolo News announced that Ramazan will begin on February 18. “In a statement issued by the Supreme Court, it said that in the provinces of Parwan, Kandahar, Helmand, and Zabul, a large number of people sighted the crescent moon of Ramazan and reported it to the Sharia courts,” the news outlet posted on X.

In Pakistan, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) predicted that Ramazan will “likely” start on February 19, Thursday. The final confirmation, however, will come from the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, the sole authority authorized to declare the beginning of the holy month based on credible witness reports.

A meeting of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee will be held tomorrow at the Auqaf Department building in Peshawar. Zonal and district committee meetings will also take place at their respective headquarters. “The chairman Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee will announce the decision of moon sighting or otherwise subsequently on the basis of information received to this end,” the ministry notification said.

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The crescent moon sightings abroad signal the start of Ramazan for many countries. Pakistanis are now waiting for the official announcement from the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee. Planning for prayers, fasting, and community activities will begin once the official date is confirmed.