The Ramazan moon is likely to be sighted on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with weather conditions expected to remain favorable in most parts of Pakistan, the met office said on Wednesday.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD’s) Climate Data Processing Center, “according to astronomical parameters, there is a fair chance of seeing the new moon of Ramazan 1447 AH on the evening of February 18, 2026.” This means that there are chances that Ramazan moon may be sighted on 29th Shaban 1447 AH.
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The birth of the Ramazan moon takes place on February 17 at 17:01. In most parts of the country, the weather on February 18 is expected to remain partly cloudy or clear, increasing the chances of seeing the moon.
According to PMD, the last time for moon observation will be at 18.58 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, at 19.47 in Balochistan, at 19.24 in Sindh, at 19.13 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, at 19.08 in Punjab and at 18.53 in Baltist-Gilant.
Earlier, on January 5, it was predicted that Ramazan is likely to begin on February 19, while Eidul Fitr may be observed on March 21. Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council Secretary General Khalid Ijaz Mufti had said that the crescent moon marking the start of Ramazan is expected to be sighted on February 18 and the first moon, on February 18. Ramazan is likely to fall on February 19,” he said, adding that the estimates are derived from astronomical calculations.
However, he emphasized that the forecast should not be treated as final, noting that the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee alone has the authority to announce the beginning of Islamic months after evidence of moon sighting.
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On January 18, Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council said that the Shaban crescent will not be sighted in Pakistan on the evening of January 19, which means that the Islamic month of Shaban-ul-Muazzam 1447 AH will begin from January 21.
The holy month of Ramazan has great spiritual significance for Muslims around the world. It is seen as a period of fasting, prayer and reflection. From dawn to dusk, participants abstain from food and drink to practice self-discipline and focus on spiritual growth. It is also a time of increased charity and fellowship, culminating in the celebration of Eidul Fitr.
