Ramadan Moon Sighted in Pakistan; First Fast to Begin on February 19, 2026
Web Desk
18 February, 2026 18:28
Ramadan Moon Sighted in Pakistan; First Fast to Begin on February 19, 2026
Pakistan is set to mark the beginning of Ramadan 2026 tomorrow (Thursday) following the sighting of the crescent moon, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, announced on Wednesday.
The meeting is being chaired by Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, with members of the Central and Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Peshawar in attendance.
Representatives from key government departments are also present, including DG of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Hafiz Abdul Quddus, SUPARCO’s Shaukat Ullah, Dr. Hasan Ali Baig from the Meteorological Department, and Zain-ul-Abidin from the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad appealed to the public to sight the moon, stating, “Insha’Allah this year too, Ramadan will begin across the country simultaneously.”
In addition to Peshawar, zonal committee meetings are underway in the federal capital Islamabad and other provincial capitals.
According to Mufti Atiq Ullah, a member of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the committee has received five testimonies from Upper Dir, while six testimonies from District Mohmand have been submitted to the Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Peshawar. So far, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has received a total of 40 testimonies.
SUPARCO’s spokesperson confirmed that the moon was born on February 17, 2026, at 5:01 PM. By sunset today, the moon will be 25 hours and 48 minutes old, and there is a possibility it may be sighted with the naked eye. The final announcement regarding moon sighting will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
The Meteorological Department reported that the moon will rise at 5:54 PM and remain visible until 6:52 PM. However, in Lahore and surrounding areas, cloud cover may reduce visibility, while in Peshawar, clear skies increase the likelihood of sighting.
Meanwhile, the Ramadan moon has already been sighted in Bangladesh and India, and the first fast there will be observed tomorrow, February 19.
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