The announcement came after a meeting of the Central Ruet e Hilal Committee held in Peshawar, alongside zonal committee sessions in Islamabad and other provincial capitals.
Following hours of deliberation and verification of testimonies, Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad confirmed that multiple credible reports of moon sighting had been received from different regions. ‘With several authentic witnesses confirming the sighting, it has been decided that the first of Ramadan 1447 Hijri will fall on Thursday, February 19,’ he declared.
As the news spread, mosques across the country began preparing for the first Taraweeh prayers, and markets witnessed a sudden surge of activity. The atmosphere felt both spiritual and festive a familiar rhythm returning to everyday life.
In neighboring India and Bangladesh, authorities also confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan moon, meaning Muslims in those countries will observe their first fast tomorrow as well.
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, the holy month began a day earlier. The Saudi Royal Court had officially announced the sighting of the crescent after confirmations from various regions. The declaration followed guidance from the Saudi Supreme Court, which had called on citizens to report moon sightings.
Several other countries, including the United States, France, and Japan, also commenced fasting in alignment with local moon sightings or in accordance with the Saudi announcement. Ramadan is more than abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk. It is a time of reflection, restraint, and reconnection a season when hearts soften, routines shift, and generosity quietly grows.
Across Pakistan, families are preparing for suhoor before dawn and planning iftar gatherings at sunset. Streets glow a little brighter at night, and a shared sense of devotion fills the air. With the crescent’s appearance, a new chapter begins one marked by patience, gratitude, and the simple yet profound discipline of fasting.
