ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that the first day of fasting in Pakistan is expected to fall on March 2.
The met department’s latest prediction on Monday regarding the moon sighting confirmed that the Ramadan crescent is unlikely to be visible on February 28 (29th Sha’ban).
The statement added that there are high chance that the moon for the holy month of Ramadan will be sighted on March 1.
“The new moon will likely be born on the evening of February 28 at 5:45 pm, but its age at sunset on 29th Sha’ban will be only 13 hours and 12 minutes. For the crescent to be visible, it must be at least 19 hours old,” it added. The forecast has increased the chances of the crescent sighting on March 1, Saturday.
However, the final decision regarding the Ramadan moon sighting will be taken by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
As per tradition, the committee would hold its session on Sha’ban 29 to receive and assess moon sighting reports and announce the sighting of the moon. The zonal committees will meet in their respective domains.
Muslims worldwide including Pakistani will observe a fast from sunrise to sunset throughout the holy month, which is celebrated with religious fervor and enthusiasm. Depending on where they are in the world, the fasting hours will range from 12 to 17 hours.
In Pakistan, as in many other nations, Ramadan is celebrated with a rise in public food drives and charitable donations, and people set up roadside stands to serve those going home in the evening.
