Ramadan May Start Feb. 18 in Pakistan – PMD Forecast

In a statement released by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Pakistani skies were expected to illuminate with signs of the upcoming holy month of Ramazan. The new moon was anticipated to be sighted on February 18, marking the start of the year 1447 Hijri in the country.

The PMD forecast that the crescent would appear at 5:01pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST) on February 17, coinciding with the 29th day of the Islamic month of Shaaban. Most regions of the nation were predicted to have clear or partly cloudy skies during this time, significantly boosting the likelihood of successfully sighting the moon.

Weather experts highlighted that these conditions would be ideal for observing the Ramadan crescent on February 18, raising hopes among devout Muslims. The PMD provided detailed cut-off times for viewing in various regions: 6:53pm in Gilgit-Baltistan and 6:58pm in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Azad Jammu and Kashmir; 7:08pm in Punjab, 7:13pm in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 7:24pm in Sindh, and finally, 7:47pm in Balochistan.

To ensure accuracy, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will finalize the announcement regarding the start of Ramazan once testimonies from across Pakistan are received. This process underscores the PMD’s commitment to providing reliable data for all Muslims who seek guidance on when to begin fasting during the holy month.