The countdown to Ramadan 2026 has officially begun, with Pakistan’s Meteorological Department issuing a key forecast about the Ramadan moon. The announcement has sparked excitement among Pakistanis, as families and religious communities prepare in advance for the arrival of the holy month, which holds deep spiritual and cultural significance across the country.
According to official predictions shared by the Met Office, the first day of Ramadan in Pakistan is expected to fall on February 19, 2026. Meteorologists stated that there is a strong possibility of the Ramadan crescent being sighted on the evening of February 18, subject to weather conditions. This forecast has raised anticipation nationwide, as moon sighting remains a central tradition in marking the beginning of Ramadan.
The department further explained that the new moon will be born on February 17, 2026, at 5:01 PM. This timing is considered favorable for moon sighting the following evening. By February 18, the moon’s age is expected to reach approximately 26 hours, which exceeds the minimum visibility threshold required for crescent observation under normal conditions.
On the evening of February 18, the sun is forecast to set at around 6:25 PM, while the moon will set at approximately 7:24 PM. This gap of nearly one hour between sunset and moonset is considered an ideal window for sighting the crescent. Experts note that a crescent generally needs to be at least 19 hours old to be visible to the naked eye, making the conditions technically suitable.
However, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has cautioned that partly cloudy weather may prevail in many parts of the country. Such conditions could affect visibility in certain regions, particularly in areas prone to haze or cloud cover. Despite this, meteorologists maintain that February 18 remains the most promising evening for observing the Ramadan moon.
The final decision regarding the start of Ramadan will rest with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which will convene after receiving moon sighting reports from across the country. If the crescent is confirmed, Muslims across Pakistan will begin fasting on February 19, marking the start of a month dedicated to worship, patience, and reflection.
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