ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted that the Shawwal moon for 1447 Hijri will not be visible on March 19 2026.
The official PMD statement predicts that if the moon is not visible on March 19 then Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday March 21 2026.
The department forecasted that the new moon will appear at 6:23 am on March 19 which falls on 29th Ramadan. The moon will only be 12 to 13 hours old by that time which makes it impossible to see.
The PMD has announced that the results of moon sighting and the announcement of the Eid date will be decided by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
The forecast will assist people in preparing for their Eid celebrations until the official date of Eid is confirmed.
KP spends millions on Ramzan moon sighting committee meeting
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee spent PKR 2 million to sight the crescent moon for Ramzan, with the expenses to be covered by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government.
The provincial cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, has finalized the agenda of its 48th meeting to be held on February 25. One of the items includes approving the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s expenditures.
According to Express News, the 18-point agenda also covers policies on wheat storage, amendments to the women harassment law, and approval for the DI Khan Motorway project under the Public-Private Partnership framework.
Additionally, the agenda includes the Ramzan Support Program and approval of special funds for minority students.
The PKR 2 million spent on the moon sighting committee will be officially ratified during the cabinet meeting.
