ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) on Tuesday predicted that Eid-ul-Azha was expected to fall on May 27.
In its statement, the Suparco said the new moon of Zilhajj 1447 AH is expected to be born on May 17 at 1:01 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST).
It added that at sunset the same day, the age of the new moon would be approximately 18 hours and 30 minutes, stating that an interval of around 60 minutes between sunset and moonset is expected along the country’s coastal belt.
“Based on these astronomical parameters, the chances of sighting the Zilhajj crescent on the evening of May 17 are considered favourable,“ the commission said.
The Suparco stated that the sighting of the Zilhajj 1447 AH moon would be subject to clear weather conditions and visibility near the horizon.
“Consequently, the 1st Zilhajj 1447 AH is anticipated to fall on Monday, May 18, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Zilqad,” it said, adding that, therefore, Eid-ul-Azha will fall on May 27.
“The final decision regarding the sighting of the Zilhajj crescent and the commencement of the holy month will be made by the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee of Pakistan, which is the sole competent authority to announce the beginning of Islamic months on credible witness testimonies and verified observations from across the country,” the statement concluded.
Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council predicts Eid-ul-Azha date
Earlier, the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council had indicated that Eid-ul-Azha 2026 will be observed in Pakistan on Wednesday, May 27, based on scientific calculations.
The council released its research findings regarding the sighting of the moon for Zilhajj 1447 AH.
Secretary-General Khalid Ijaz Mufti stated that astronomical data suggest a high probability that the moon will be sighted in a manner that would place Eid-ul-Azha on May 27 across the country.
According to the report, the birth of the moon will take place on the night of May 16-17 at 1:15 am PST, and until sunset on May 17, the age of the moon will exceed 18 hours in most parts, which is enough for the human eye to spot the moon.
According to the report, on May 17, the period from sunset to moonset will be 55 minutes in Karachi and 63 minutes in Peshawar.
Provided that the weather remains favorable, the moon will be clearly visible on Sunday evening, which means that Zilhajj will begin on Monday, May 18, and Eid-ul-Azha 2026 will be observed on Wednesday, May 27.
