The chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, has announced that Muslims will observe fasting and Eidul Fitr on the same day across Pakistan this year.
He shared the news in an exclusive interview with Samaa TV, expressing optimism that the entire nation will begin Ramadan together. "Efforts are being made to observe fasting on the same day across the country," he stated.
Maulana Azad also said that the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s meeting to sight the Ramadan moon will be held in Peshawar this year. He emphasized that maintaining unity in religious observances is crucial, and that it brings happiness if successful efforts are made to ensure fasting and Eid on the same day.
He further insisted that with successful efforts, "we will maintain the tradition of fasting and observing Eid on the same day".
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In previous years, different moon-sighting decisions led to variations in the start of Ramadan in different regions, but this year, the goal is to foster national unity.
On Monday, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) announced that the first fast of Ramadan in Pakistan is expected to be observed on March 2, as the Ramadan moon is likely to be sighted on March 1.
However, the final decision on the moon sighting will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Ramadan moon sighting
A Suparco spokesperson stated that the birth of the Ramadan moon will take place on February 28 at 5:45pm. At sunset on the same day, the age of the moon will be 12 hours, but due to its low altitude and distance, it will be difficult to sight the moon on February 28.
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Additionally, on February 28, the angular distance between the moon and the sun will be seven degrees, making it impossible to see with the naked eye. As a result, the Ramadan crescent is expected to be visible on March 1, leading to the first fast on March 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is expected to begin Ramadan a day earlier, with the first fast likely on March 1.
Eidul Fitr likely on March 31
Suparco also predicted that the Shawwal moon will likely be sighted on March 30. This means that Eidul Fitr 2025 could fall on March 31. However, the final announcement will also be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
