ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the body that announces the lunar calendar in Pakistan, said on Tuesday the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan would begin in the country today, Wednesday, as the president urged citizens to follow coronavirus standard operating procedures.
The moon-sighting committee announced its decision after a meeting in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Tuesday evening.
Last year, the Pakistani government and Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, the newly appointed chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, agreed for the first time to work together and use scientific data to determine the sighting of the moon, which has for decades faced an annual controversy.
The beginning of the ninth and holiest month in the Muslim calendar, as well as the Eid holidays and the mourning month of Muharram, are determined by the sighting of the new moon in Pakistan, with the cleric-led Ruet-e-Hilal committee announcing when fasting should begin.
Pakistan’s science and technology minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain had already announced earlier this month that Ramadan would begin on April 14.
In a statement, Pakistani President Dr. Arif Alvi urged the public to follow coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) during Ramadan.
“Fasting led to piety, which also meant that life should be led carefully, especially when the whole world was worried over the third wave of coronavirus pandemic,” the president said. “It was a national and religious duty to implement the precautionary measures.”
Earlier this month, Pakistan announced new health guidelines for Ramadan, including banning the entry of people older than 50 years and adolescents in mosques and shrines during the holy month. The Pakistan government has said mosques around the country would remain open during Ramadan with strict adherence to COVID-19 standard operating procedures.
In shadow of coronavirus third wave, Ramadan starts in Pakistan today
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In shadow of coronavirus third wave, Ramadan starts in Pakistan today
- Moon-sighting committee announced first fast on April 14 after a meeting in Peshawar on Tuesday evening
- President Alvi urges the public to strictly follow coronavirus guidelines during the holy month of fasting and worship
Thai Air station manager found dead at Karachi airport, inquiry underway
- Airport authorities say preliminary assessments point to a cardiac incident
- CCTV footage is being secured and police and medical teams informed
ISLAMABAD: A station manager for Thai Air was found dead at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan’s Airports Authority confirmed on Sunday, adding that preliminary indications pointed to a cardiac incident but an inquiry was still underway.
Local media reported a day earlier the body was found inside the Thai Air office at the airport terminal after the employee had not been seen for several hours. Initial medical assessments cited by local outlets suggested no immediate signs of foul play.
“A preliminary inquiry is underway,” Saifullah, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), who uses a single name, said in a statement.
“The Airport Security Force has been instructed to preserve nearby CCTV footage, while police and medical teams have been informed,” he added. “A detailed report will be submitted once the investigation is completed.”
Thai Air, the national carrier of Thailand, has long been used by Pakistani travelers flying to Bangkok and onward destinations in Southeast Asia, particularly for tourism and business travel.
Many Pakistani travelers also reach Thailand and other destinations in the region by first flying to Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, before catching connecting flights.
However, these routes typically add to travel time compared with direct or near-direct options.
