Ramadan moon sighted: first fast tomorrow

ISLAMABAD: The sighting of the Ramadan moon has been confirmed across Pakistan, signalling the beginning of the holy month. The first fast (Roza) will be observed tomorrow, Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, under its Chair Maulana Abdul Khabeer Aza,d met at the Auqaf Hall, with zonal committees in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Islamabad simultaneously convening to receive and scrutinise moon sighting reports. Alongside the committee, the Ministry of Science and Technology, PMD, and SUPARCO also assisted with the moon sighting process.

SUPARCO has already forecast that the crescent for Ramadan 1447 Hijri will be visible on February 18, marking February 19 as the expected first day of fasting.

The moon’s age at sunset was approximately 25 hours and 48 minutes. The Ramadan crescent had already been sighted in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, where residents are observing their first fast today. Earlier today, Bangladesh also announced the sighting of the Ramadan moon.

Today, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, after a thorough meeting across various regions, declared that the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan had been sighted. Reports came in from several key areas, including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi, confirming the moon sighting.

Muslims across the country are preparing for the first Sehri at dawn, followed by Fajr prayers, while Taraweeh prayers will take place tonight in mosques nationwide.

This marks the start of Ramadan 2026, a month of fasting, reflection, and spirituality for Muslims around the world. The fasting duration in Pakistan will be approximately 13 hours, with Sehri to end at around 5:30 AM and Iftar scheduled for 6:00 PM in major cities such as Islamabad.

Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026 or Saturday, March 21, 2026, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon. However, as per the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), March 21 is more likely.

SPECIAL RAMADAN INITIATIVES ANNOUNCED

Meanwhile, special Ramadan relief packages have been announced by the federal and provincial governments.

The government of Punjab, in particular, has announced Ramazan Relief Drive, Ramadan cards as well as ‘Maryam ko Batayein’ helpline for immediate financial assistance for deserving families.

The Sindh government launched the Ramzan Relief Package 5000, and the federal government also announced a Rs38 billion Ramadan relief initiative for 2026.

Revised school timings as well as office hours have also been announced for both private and public institutions across Pakistan.

As Ramadan begins, it’s a time for Muslims to renew their faith, embrace acts of kindness, and foster a deeper connection to both their spirituality and the less fortunate.