Pakistan is expected to begin the holy month of Ramzan on February 19, 2026, subject to the official announcement by the country’s moon sighting authorities.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and several Gulf states have confirmed that fasting will start there on February 18, 2026, after the moon is sighted.
Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to meet on February 18
The central meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will take place in Peshawar on February 18, under the chairmanship of Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad.
Zonal committees will also meet the same evening in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta to collect testimonies from across the country.
The committee is authorised to announce the start of the Islamic month based on verified moon sightings. If the crescent is sighted on February 18, the first fast will be observed on February 19.
SUPARCO forecasts moon visibility
The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has forecast that the Ramzan 1447 Hijri crescent is likely to be visible on the evening of 18 February.
According to the agency, the new moon will be born on February 17 at 5:01pm Pakistan Standard Time.
By sunset on February 18, the moon’s age is expected to be around 25 hours and 48 minutes, which officials say creates favourable conditions for sighting.
In coastal areas, the time gap between sunset and moonset is expected to be close to one hour, increasing the chances of visibility with the naked eye.
However, SUPARCO emphasised that the final decision rests with the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Moon sighted in Gulf countries
In Saudi Arabia, the crescent was sighted on Tuesday evening, and the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia confirmed that Ramzan will begin on February 18.
The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait also announced the start of fasting on the same date after their respective moon sighting committees verified reports.
Some other countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan, reported that the crescent was not sighted and will begin fasting on February 19 after completing 30 days of Shaban.
Islamic months last 29 or 30 days and begin with the sighting of the crescent moon. As the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, Ramzan shifts each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Also Read: School timings revised for Ramzan 2026
