By Our Correspondent
KARACHI: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Pakistan announced on Sunday that the Zil Hajj moon has been sighted, and Eid al-Adha will be observed across Pakistan on May 27 (Wednesday).
The announcement followed a meeting held in Karachi, alongside parallel sessions of zonal committees in Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, and Peshawar.
Addressing a press conference, committee chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad said weather conditions remained mostly clear across the country, aiding visibility.
He added that credible moon sighting reports were received from Karachi, various parts of Sindh, as well as Mardan, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and other regions.
“As a result, it has been unanimously decided that the first of Zil Hajj 1447 AH will fall on May 18 (Monday), while Eidul Azha will be celebrated on May 27 (Wednesday),” he stated.
Earlier, SUPARCO had predicted favorable conditions for moon sighting, noting that the new moon was born on May 17 at 1:01am, with sufficient visibility expected at sunset.
The agency said the crescent’s age and positioning made sightings likely, subject to clear weather, which ultimately supported the committee’s decision.
Moon sighting determines key Islamic dates, including Eidul Azha, which holds major religious significance for Muslims worldwide.
The announcement allows citizens to finalize travel plans, livestock arrangements, and holiday preparations across the country.
Authorities are expected to make arrangements for Eid-related activities, including security, transport, and public services.
Pakistan follows its traditional moon sighting process, combining eyewitness testimony with scientific input from institutions like SUPARCO.
