The Islamabad district administration has made it mandatory to ensure official registration and approval for all Iftar street arrangements as the country prepares to welcome Ramadan 2026.
The district administration cited security concerns in the federal capital as the reason for the decision, a district administration spokesperson told PakGazette News on Sunday.
All persons interested in setting up street Iftar arrangements can submit their applications with complete details, the official added.
The spokesperson added that the administration will ensure identification of the site and provision of facilities, including security.
The spokesperson said assistant commissioners will inspect the proposed locations before issuing permits, confirming that 18 applications have already been received from across the federal capital.
The spokesperson promised that no public Iftar arrangements would be allowed anywhere in the federal capital without registration.
The announcement comes just days before the holy month, which is expected to begin on February 19.
The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has predicted that the Ramadan 1447 Hijri crescent will likely be visible on February 18.
The new moon will rise on February 17 at 5:01 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time, and astronomical parameters will indicate favorable visibility conditions the following night, Suparco said.
Sources in the Ministry of Science and Technology had indicated a high probability of Ramadan starting simultaneously in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia this year.
While the Ramadan new moon 1447AH is expected to rise on February 17, it is unlikely to be visible on February 17 in Saudi Arabia, the United States, Africa, Europe and other regions of the world.
