Pakistan is preparing for Ramadan 1447 Hijri, with the first fast most likely to begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, based on current moon-sighting projections and astronomical visibility data. The official start, however, will be decided by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after its scheduled moon-sighting meeting on the evening of Wednesday, February 18.
The committee has already confirmed the beginning of Sha’ban after failing to sight its crescent earlier this month, officially fixing 1st Sha’ban on January 21, 2026. Based on the Islamic calendar calculation, Ramadan’s holy month will begin only after the crescent moon for Ramadan is sighted locally or regionally.
What Astronomers Say
Astronomers around the region are reinforcing these predictions with scientific data. According to lunar visibility charts used by global moon-sighting groups, the astronomical new moon (conjunction) for Ramadan 1447 occurs on Tuesday, February 17. At that stage, the young crescent is generally too thin and too low on the horizon to be seen with the naked eye, and may not be visible even with optical aid. Experts say this makes it unlikely to be sighted on the evening of February 17.
However, by Wednesday, February 18, the moon will have gained enough age and altitude after sunset for possible visibility in Pakistan and neighbouring regions under clear skies. Astronomers note that several factors — including atmospheric clarity, horizon obstruction, and precise sunset times — influence actual visibility, so confirmed sightings remain dependent on observers in the field.
“According to the lunar visibility predictions, the crescent is not expected to be observable on Feb 17, but there is a high probability for detection on Feb 18 in South Asia,” explained Dr. Khalid Mahmood, a senior astronomer involved in regional moon-sighting research. “If observers on the ground report a confirmed sighting on the evening of Feb 18, then Pakistan’s first fast on Feb 19 is astronomically plausible.”
He added that cloud cover or poor atmospheric conditions on Feb 18 could delay the start by a day, which would move the first fasting day to February 20.
Saudi Arabia May Lead the Moon Sighting
In neighbouring Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court has already called on residents to look for the Ramadan crescent on February 17, corresponding to Sha’ban 28 in the Islamic calendar. If Saudi astronomers and moon-sighting teams successfully confirm the crescent that evening, the Kingdom could begin Ramadan a day earlier than Pakistan, with the first fast on February 18. Saudi Arabia traditionally guides moon-sighting for many Muslim communities worldwide.
Despite scientific projections, Pakistan’s decision will rest on the official moon-sighting announcement by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after its Feb 18 meeting. Members gather reports from across the country before declaring Ramadan’s start.
