ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has indicated that the crescent marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447 AH is expected to be visible on the evening of February 18, 2026, subject to favourable weather conditions.
According to the Met Office, the new moon will be born at the conjunction point on February 17 at 5:01pm Pakistan Standard Time. Astronomical calculations suggest there is a reasonable likelihood of sighting the crescent the following evening, which will correspond to the 29th of Shaban 1447 AH.
In an advisory issued to the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Research and Reference Wing, the department said prevailing parameters point towards a fair chance of visibility on February 18. Climate data compiled by the PMD’s Climate Data Processing Centre indicates that weather conditions across most parts of the country are expected to remain partly cloudy to clear, potentially supporting moon-sighting efforts.
The department also released region-specific moonset timings for February 18. The crescent is expected to remain visible until 7:24pm in Sindh, 7:08pm in Punjab, 7:47pm in Balochistan, 7:13pm in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 6:58pm in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and 6:53pm in Gilgit-Baltistan. Areas not specifically listed in the schedule may observe the moon until local moonset times, depending on geographic location.
As per established practice, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene on the 29th of Shaban to review testimonies and reports received from across the country. Zonal committees will also meet in their respective regions before forwarding verified information to the central body for a final announcement regarding the commencement of Ramadan.
Religious scholars representing various schools of thought are expected to attend the meeting to ensure consensus over the decision.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims through fasting from dawn to sunset. In Pakistan, the month is marked by heightened religious devotion, increased charitable activity and community food initiatives, with volunteers often setting up roadside stalls to provide meals for those returning home at sunset.
