The new moon of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak 1447 AH will be born on February 17, 2026, at 5:01 PM (Pakistan Standard Time), according to a spokesperson for SUPARCO. PHOTO: PIXABAY
The Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on Wednesday predicted that Eidul Fitr is likely to fall on March 21, as the chances of sighting the Shawwal crescent on March 19 are considered very low.
“At the time of sunset on March 19, the age of the new moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes, with an estimated 28-minute interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt,” the statement from SUPARCO said.
It added that, based on these astronomical parameters, 1st Shawwal 1447 AH was anticipated to fall on March 21, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramzan.
The commission said the prediction was based on scientific calculations and observations, but emphasised that the relevant religious authority would make the official announcement.
“The final decision regarding the sighting of the Shawwal crescent and the commencement of Eid-ul-Fitr 1447 AH will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan, which is the sole competent authority to announce the beginning of Islamic months on credible witness testimonies and verified observations from across the country,” the statement said.
The visibility of the crescent depends on atmospheric conditions, and clear skies would enhance the chances of sighting the moon across most regions of Pakistan.
Pakistan follows both scientific and traditional moon sighting methods, and the government has often relied on SUPARCO’s lunar calculations to aid the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s decision-making.
