Met Office predicts 30 fasts this Ramazan
Pakistan
Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts 30 days of Ramazan, saying Shawwal moon unlikely to be sighted on March 19; final decision rests with Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that Muslims in Pakistan are likely to observe 30 fasts this year, as there is no possibility of sighting the Shawwal moon on March 19.
In its latest statement, the Met Office said the new moon will be born on March 19 at 6:23am. However, by sunset on the same day — which will mark the 29th of Ramazan — the moon’s age will be between 12 to 13 hours, making visibility highly unlikely.
Officials stated that the crescent would not be in a position suitable for sighting on the evening of March 19. As a result, Ramazan is expected to complete 30 days this year.
Based on astronomical calculations, Eidul Fitr is likely to fall on Saturday, March 21. However, the department clarified that the final announcement regarding moon sighting will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
The Met Office emphasized that while scientific data and astronomical models strongly indicate that the Shawwal moon will not be visible on March 19, the official confirmation rests solely with the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Every year, the committee convenes to examine testimonies of moon sighting from across the country before formally declaring the start of Shawwal and the date of Eidul Fitr.
