With the country prepared for the next month of Ramadan, which is less than two weeks away, the holy month is expected to begin on March 12 in Pakistan.
According to weather expert Jawad Memon, the moon for the month of Ramadan will be born on March 10, although it will not be seen at the moment and will only be visible with the naked eye on March 11.
“First taraweeh will be observed on the night of March 11 [whereas] its 95% probable that the first fast will be on March 12,” Memon stated in a statement.
According to tradition, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee would gather in Islamabad—with zonal committees sitting in their respective domains—to receive and examine moon sighting reports and to proclaim the sighting of the moon.
The holy month, which is observed with religious fervour and zeal, will see millions of Pakistanis along with billions of Muslims around the world observing fast from dawn till sunset with the fasting hours falling between 12 to 17 hours — depending on the geographical locations across the globe.
Like many other nations, Ramadan in Pakistan is marked by increased charity and public food drives, with people setting up roadside kiosks for people coming home in the evening.
The month typically sees heightened commercial activity as a result of religious holidays and purchasing trends in the run-up to Eid ul Fitr.
