ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national space agency has announced that the Ramadan crescent is likely to be visible in Pakistan on Feb. 18 and consequently, the first of the holy fasting month is expected to fall on Feb. 19 in the South Asian country.
In Pakistan, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is tasked with sighting the moon for new Islamic months. Dates for Ramadan and Eid festivals are confirmed by the committee through visual observations and based on testimonies received of the crescent being sighted from several parts of the country.
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) said on Friday the Ramadan crescent is expected to be born on Feb 17 at 17:01 Pakistan Standard Time, adding that the age of the new moon will be approximately 25 hours and 48 minutes at the time of sunset on Feb. 18.
“Based on astronomical parameters, the chances of sighting of the new moon with naked eye are very bright in the evening of 18 Feb 2026,” SUPARCO said.
“Consequently, the 1st of Ramazan may likely to fall on 19 Feb 2026.”
However, it said the final announcement regarding the beginning of the holy fasting month will be made by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which is the “sole competent authority,” based on credible witness testimonies from across the country.
Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, where Muslims abstain from food, drink and sexual activities from sunrise to sunset. This is followed by the sighting of the new moon and is marked by Eid-ul-Fitr, a religious holiday and celebration that is observed by Muslims across the world.
