The Ramazan moon is expected to be sighted on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and weather conditions are expected to remain favorable in most parts of Pakistan, the weather office said on Wednesday.
According to the Climate Data Processing Center of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), “according to astronomical parameters, there is a good chance of sighting the new moon of Ramazan 1447 AH on the evening of February 18, 2026.” This means that there are chances that the Ramazan moon will be sighted on 29 Shaban 1447 AH.
Read: Ramazan package cards are coming
The birth of the Ramazan moon will take place on February 17 at 5:01 p.m. In most parts of the country, the weather on February 18 is expected to remain partly cloudy or clear, increasing the chances of moon sightings.
According to the PMD, the last time the moon will be sighted will be 6:58 p.m. in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 7:47 p.m. in Balochistan, 7:24 p.m. in Sindh, 7:13 p.m. in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 7:08 p.m. in Punjab and 6:53 p.m. in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Earlier, on January 5, it was predicted that Ramazan is likely to begin on February 19, while Eidul Fitr may be observed on March 21. Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council General Secretary Khalid Ijaz Mufti had said that the crescent marking the start of Ramazan is expected to be seen on February 18. said, adding that the estimates are derived from astronomical calculations.
However, he stressed that the predictions should not be considered final, noting that the Central Committee of Ruet-e-Hilal alone holds the authority to announce the start of the Islamic months after the testimony of the moon sighting.
Learn more: CII announces Fitrana and Fidyah amounts for Ramazan 2026
On January 18, the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council said that the Shaban crescent would not be sighted in Pakistan on the evening of January 19, which means the Islamic month of Shaban-ul-Muazzam 1447 AH will begin on January 21.
The holy month of Ramazan holds great spiritual significance for Muslims around the world. It is observed as a period of fasting, prayer and reflection. From dawn to sunset, participants abstain from eating and drinking to practice self-discipline and focus on their spiritual growth. It is also a time of increased charity and community, culminating in the celebration of Eidul Fitr.
