The new moon of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak 1447 AH will be born on February 17, 2026 at 17.01 (Pakistan Standard Time), according to a spokesman 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 by SUPARCO said.
It added that based on these astronomical parameters, 1 Shawwal 1447 AH was expected to fall on March 21, marking the end of the holy month of Ramzan.
The commission said the prediction was based on scientific calculations and observations, but stressed 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 taken by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan, which is the only competent authority to announce the beginning of Islamic months on credible testimonies and verified sightings from across the country.”
The visibility of the crescent depends on atmospheric conditions and clear skies would increase the chances of seeing the moon in most regions of Pakistan.
Pakistan follows both scientific and traditional lunar observation methods, and the government has often relied on SUPARCO’s lunar calculations to aid the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s decision-making.
