As Ramadan 2026 approaches, astronomers and religious authorities are closely monitoring the skies to determine the expected sighting of the crescent moon, signaling the start of the holy month across Pakistan.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that the Ramadan moon sighting 2026 is likely on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, making the first fast expected on Thursday, February 19.
According to officials, the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH will be born on February 17 at 5:15 PM.
Based on astronomical calculations and lunar positioning, visibility conditions are considered favorable across most parts of the country.
When is Ramadan 2026?
The Climate Data Processing Center of the PMD stated that the chances of sighting the crescent on the evening of 29 Shaban 1447 AH are bright.
Weather conditions are expected to remain clear or partly cloudy in most regions, which may improve visibility for moon observers.
The department also shared sunset visibility timings for different provinces.
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The moon is expected to remain visible until 6:58 PM in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 7:47 PM in Balochistan, 7:24 PM in Sindh, 7:13 PM in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 7:08 PM in Punjab, and 6:53 PM in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Earlier, in a forecast issued on January 5, authorities had indicated that the first day of Ramadan would likely fall on February 19, while Eid-ul-Fitr was tentatively expected on March 21, subject to official confirmation.
