Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to Meet Today for Shawwal Moon Sighting

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has convened a meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee for Thursday (today) to sight the Shawwal moon.

The meeting will take place on the evening of March 19, 2026 (29 Ramadan 1447 AH) at the ministry’s office in Kohsar Block, Pak Secretariat, Constitution Avenue, Islamabad. Chairman Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad will preside over the session.

Zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal committees will also meet the same day at their respective headquarters.

The ministry has asked the public to report any credible moon sighting, while the committee will issue the final announcement after reviewing testimonies from across the country along with technical data.

Meanwhile, astronomical forecasts indicate a low likelihood of sighting the Shawwal moon on March 19. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has said the moon will be born at 06:23 PST, but its age at sunset will be about 12 hours and 41 minutes, with a limited visibility window.

Based on these parameters, Eid ul Fitr is expected to fall on March 21 in Pakistan, subject to the official announcement by the committee.