The Islamabad district administration has made registration and official approval mandatory for all street Iftar arrangements, as the country prepares to welcome Ramadan 2026.
The district administration cited security concerns in the federal capital as the reason for the decision, a spokesperson of the district administration told PK Press Club News on Sunday.
All those interested in setting up street Iftar arrangements can submit their application with full details, the official added.
The spokesperson added that the administration will ensure identification of the site and provision of facilities, including security.
The spokesperson said deputy commissioners would inspect the proposed locations before issuing permits, confirming that 18 applications have already been received from across the federal capital.
The spokesperson promised that no public Iftar event would be allowed in any part of the federal capital without registration.
This announcement comes just days before the holy month, which is scheduled to begin on February 19.
The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) predicted that the Ramadan 1447 Hijri crescent would likely be visible on February 18.
The new moon will be born on February 17 at 5:01 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time, with astronomical parameters indicating favorable visibility conditions the following evening, Suparco said.
Sources in the Ministry of Science and Technology said it was highly likely that Ramadan would begin simultaneously in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia this year.
While the new moon of Ramadan 1447AH is expected to be born on February 17, it is unlikely to be visible on February 17 in Saudi Arabia, the United States, Africa, Europe and other parts of the world.
