Ramadan is expected to complete 30 days in Pakistan this year, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that the Shawwal crescent is unlikely to be sighted on March 19, which corresponds to the 29th of Ramadan.
In its assessment, the Met Office said the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born at 6:23 am on March 19. However, by the evening observation window, the moon’s age at meteorological observatories is projected to be around 12 to 13 hours, a duration PMD considers unfavorable for visibility.
Based on its astronomical calculations, the PMD said there is no chance of sighting the Shawwal moon on the evening of March 19.
The department added that this is an astronomical forecast, and the official announcement will be made by Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which is responsible for confirming moon sighting and declaring the start of Shawwal and Eid ul Fitr.
