One Ramadan: Govt calls moonsighting meeting in Peshawar on Feb 28

The federal government is striving to ensure a uniform start to Ramadan across Pakistan, as the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee prepares for a crucial moon sighting meeting on February 28, 2025, in Peshawar, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported on Thursday.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has confirmed that Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, will preside over the session, while zonal Ruet-e-Hilal committees will hold meetings at their respective locations.

According to the ministry’s statement, the final announcement on the Ramadan moon sighting will come from the Central Committee, with all meeting arrangements overseen by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The initiative aims to resolve Pakistan’s long-standing issue of multiple Ramadan starts, which in past years has led to regional differences and religious divisions.

However, in a twist to the moon sighting debate, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has ruled out the possibility of the Ramadan moon being sighted on February 28.

According to meteorologists, the Ramadan crescent is unlikely to appear that evening, predicting that the first of Ramadan will likely fall on March 2. The Met Office expects the moon to be visible on March 1, making March 2 the first day of fasting in Pakistan.

Reports suggest that countries like the UAE and other Gulf nations may sight the Ramadan moon on February 28, possibly starting their fasts a day earlier than Pakistan.

With scientific predictions clashing with traditional moon sighting methods, all eyes are now on Peshawar, where the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s decision could shape the start of Ramadan across the country.

Reporter: Usman Khan