Islamabad, February 12, 2026 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that Ramadan 2026 in Pakistan is likely to begin on February 19, subject to the sighting of the new moon on the evening of February 18, 2026.
New Moon Birth and Sighting Forecast
In an advisory issued to the Research and Reference Wing of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the PMD said the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH will be born on February 17 at 5:01 pm (PST). Based on astronomical calculations, there is a fair chance of moon sighting on February 18, which corresponds to 29th Shaban 1447 AH.
According to the PMD’s Climate Data Processing Centre (CDPC), weather conditions across most parts of the country are expected to be partly cloudy to fair on February 18, supporting visibility for moon-sighting efforts.
Region-Wise Moon Sighting Timings
The PMD also released province-wise last visible timings (PST) for the moon on February 18:
• Sindh: 7:24 pm
• Punjab: 7:08 pm
• Balochistan: 7:47 pm
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 7:13 pm
• Azad Jammu and Kashmir: 6:58 pm
• Gilgit-Baltistan: 6:53 pm
The department added that regions not listed may observe the moon until the local moonset time.
Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to Announce Final Decision
As per tradition, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on 29th Shaban to collect and verify moon sighting testimonies. Zonal committees across the country will hold parallel meetings, after which the official announcement regarding the start of Ramadan 2026 in Pakistan will be made.
Religious scholars from all schools of thought will attend the central session to ensure a consensus-based decision.
Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is observed with deep religious devotion, as millions of Pakistanis and billions of Muslims worldwide fast from dawn to sunset. In Pakistan, the holy month is also marked by increased charity, public iftar arrangements, and food drives, reflecting the spirit of compassion and generosity.