Ramazan moon not sighted in Pakistan

Ramazan moon has not been sighted in Pakistan and now the first of Ramazan will be observed on Sunday, March 2.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee made this announcement after a meeting in Peshawar today. The final announcement was made by Ruet Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.

Besides Pakistan, Ramazan moon was not sighted in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, India and Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Ramazan moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and other GCC countries. United States, many European countries and the United Kingdom will be observing the first of Ramazan on Saturday, March 1. 

SPARCO, Department of Meteorology and scholars from different schools of thought participated in the meeting, reported 24NewsHD TV. 

Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committees held meetings at their regional offices including Lahore, Islamabad , Karachi and other respective locations. In Peshawar, the zonal committee’s meeting was presided over by Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai.

According to Met office, there is low chance of moon sighting today. The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council predicts that the first fast (Roza) is likely to be observed on Sunday.

Astronomers stated that moon sighting on Friday, February 28, is not possible as the age of the moon at sunset will be less than 14 hours, whereas a minimum of 19 hours is required for visibility. The angular distance between the moon and the sun should be at least 10 degrees, but it will only be 5 degrees today. The time gap between sunset and moonset should be at least 40 minutes, whereas it will be only 30 minutes in Quetta and Jiwani, and 29 minutes in other areas. 

Given these astronomical factors, experts confirmed that the moon will not be visible to the naked eye or even through a telescope.  

Reporters Usman Khan and Shaid Sipra