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Ramazan Moon Sighted in Pakistan, Fasting to Begin Thursday
The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee announced the sighting of the Ramazan moon, with fasting to begin across Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 19). Authorities and leaders extended greetings as a Rs38bn relief package was confirmed.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-18
Ramazan Moon Sighted in Pakistan, Fasting to Begin Thursday

The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee on Wednesday announced that the crescent moon for Ramazan had been sighted, and the holy month would begin across Pakistan on Thursday (February 19).

The announcement was made by committee chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad following a meeting held in Peshawar to review testimonies from across the country.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Azad stated that weather conditions varied nationwide, with clear skies reported in some regions and cloudy conditions in others. He confirmed that credible testimonies of moon sighting were received from multiple cities and districts, including Quetta, Islamabad, Waziristan, Dir, Karachi, Buner, Mardan and Tando Allahyar.

“Therefore, it was decided with consensus that the first day of Ramazan would be on Thursday,” he announced.

Regional Announcements

Media reports from neighbouring countries also confirmed the sighting of the crescent. According to The Daily Star, the moon was sighted in Bangladesh, while The Hindu reported similar sightings in India.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan began observing the first fast of Ramazan on Wednesday after sighting the crescent the previous night.

Leaders Extend Greetings

Political leaders across Pakistan extended their felicitations on the commencement of the holy month. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari congratulated the Muslim Ummah in a post on X, expressing hope that the month would bring unity and blessings.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also conveyed his greetings to the nation. He urged citizens to demonstrate patience during the sacred month and appealed to traders to avoid hoarding and profiteering, ensuring essential commodities remain available at reasonable prices.

Relief Package Announced

Earlier, Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) had predicted, based on astronomical calculations, that the first day of Ramazan was likely to fall on February 19.

In preparation for the holy month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a Rs38 billion Ramazan Relief Package aimed at supporting 12.1 million deserving families across the four provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Under the package, each eligible family will receive Rs13,000 through a digital wallet or direct bank transfer. The prime minister stated that assistance would be provided without discrimination based on political affiliation or viewpoint.

With the moon sighted and preparations underway, Muslims across Pakistan are set to begin the month of fasting, prayer and reflection from Thursday.
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