When will Ramadan start in Pakistan this year?

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a strong likelihood of the Ramadan moon being sighted on February 18, marking the beginning of the holy month of 1447 Hijri in the country.

In a statement, the PMD said the new moon is expected to be born on February 17, 2026 at 5:01pm Pakistan Standard Time. With the 29th of Shaaban falling on February 18, there is a strong possibility that the Ramadan crescent will be visible that evening.

Weather experts said that most parts of the country are expected to experience clear or partly cloudy skies on February 18, increasing the chances of moon sighting.

The PMD also issued the expected cut-off times for moon sighting in various regions.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the last time for sighting will be 6:58pm, while in Gilgit-Baltistan it will be 6:53pm.

The cut-off time will be 7:08pm in Punjab, 7:13pm in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 7:24pm in Sindh and 7:47pm in Balochistan.

The final announcement regarding the start of Ramadan will be made by Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after receiving testimonies from across the country, the PMD said.