ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH will be born on February 17 at 5:01pm (PST), and said there is a fair chance it will be sighted the following evening on February 18.
In a letter sent to the Research and Reference Wing of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the PMD said the moon will be born at the conjunction point at 5:01pm on February 17, while the astronomical parameters for February 18, the 29th of Shaban 1447 AH, suggest visibility is possible.
The department’s Climate Data Processing Centre (CDPC) added that, based on climate records, weather on February 18 evening is expected to remain partly cloudy or fair across most parts of the country, which could be favourable for moon-sighting.
As per tradition, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee would hold its session on Shaban 29, with zonal committees meeting in their respective domains, to receive and assess moon sighting reports and announce the sighting of the moon.
Clerics from all schools of thought would attend the central huddle to ascertain the beginning of the ninth Islamic month.
The holy month, which is observed with religious fervour and zeal, will see millions of Pakistanis, along with billions of Muslims around the world, observing a fast from dawn till sunset.
Like many other countries, Ramadan in Pakistan is marked by increased charity and public food drives, with the people establishing roadside stalls for people returning to their homes in the evening.
