First Ramazan likely to commence on March 2 in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The first day of the fast in Ramadan in Pakistan is expected to be on March 2, according to the latest state of prediction regarding moon sightings made by the Meteorological Department.

The department has come forward and stated that the Ramadan crescent will not be sighted on February 28, which corresponds to the 29th of Sha’ban, since the new moon will take birth on February 28, at 5:45 PM; however, its age at sunset on the 29th of Sha’ban would only be 13 hours and 12 minutes, which is not enough time for it to be visible.

According to the Ruat-e-Hilal committee, the moon must be at least 19 hours old for the crescent to be visible.

After the Met Office’s forecast of partly cloudy to clear skies in different parts of the country on the evening of February 29, this will also affect the likely sighting of the moon.

It now seems probable that the first fast of Ramadan will be on March 2, though the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will announce the final decision after verifying the sighting.

The committee will meet on the evening of February 29 to announce Ramadan, based on the accounts of reliable witnesses who saw the crescent moon. Until that time, Muslims in Pakistan shall have to wait for an official announcement for the holy month of Ramadan.