Meteorological Department Predicts No Sighting of Shawwal Moon on 29th Ramadan

**Islamabad:** The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued an important prediction regarding the Shawwal moon, stating that there is almost no chance of its sighting on the evening of the 29th Ramadan this year.

According to the department, Ramadan is likely to complete 30 days as the Shawwal moon is not expected to be visible on March 19. Officials said the new moon will be born at 6:23am on March 19, and by sunset its age will be between 12 to 13 hours.

The department explained that a moon of 12 to 13 hours of age is not suitable for visibility and cannot be sighted with the naked eye or even through a telescope.

The statement clarified that since there is virtually no possibility of moon sighting on March 19, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to fall on Saturday, March 21. However, the final announcement will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

Sources further said that the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will hold its meeting on the evening of March 19 under the chairmanship of Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, while zonal committees will also meet at their respective district offices. The final decision regarding the Shawwal moon will be officially announced by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.