Ramadan-ul-Mubarak new moon 1447 AH will be born on February 17, 2026 at 5:01 pm (Pakistan Standard Time), according to a SUPARCO spokesperson. PHOTO: PIXABAY
Pakistan’s Space and 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 interval of 28 minutes between sunset and moonset along the coastal belt of Pakistan,” the SUPARCO statement said.
He added that based on these astronomical parameters, the 1st Shawwal of 1447 AH was anticipated to fall on March 21, marking the conclusion 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 on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent and the beginning 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 based on testimonies of credible witnesses and verified observations from across the country,” the statement said.
The visibility of the crescent moon 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 moon sighting methods, and the government has often relied on SUPARCO lunar calculations to assist in the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s decision-making.
