By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has projected that Ramadan will likely span 30 days this year, as chances of sighting the Shawwal crescent on March 19 are virtually nonexistent.
According to the Met Office, the new moon is scheduled to be born at 6:23am on March 19. By sunset later that day — corresponding to the 29th of Ramadan — the moon will be only 12 to 13 hours old, an age considered insufficient for visibility.
Meteorological experts noted that the crescent’s position and age will not meet the criteria required for sighting on the evening of March 19. Consequently, the holy month is expected to complete the full 30 days.
On the basis of astronomical assessments, Eidul Fitr is anticipated to fall on Saturday, March 21. Nonetheless, officials reiterated that the authority to make the final decision rests with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
The department underscored that although scientific calculations strongly suggest the moon will not be visible, the formal declaration regarding the beginning of Shawwal and the date of Eid will be issued by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after reviewing testimonies from across the country.
Pakistan, Ramadan 2026, Eidul Fitr, Shawwal Moon, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Moon Sighting
