ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has forecast that Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on March 21, as the chances of sighting the Shawwal moon on March 19 are considered low.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Suparco said the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19 at 6:23am.
According to the agency, at sunset on March 19 the moon will be about 12 hours and 41 minutes old, while the gap between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt is expected to be around 28 minutes.
Based on these astronomical conditions, Suparco said the possibility of sighting the Shawwal crescent on the evening of March 19 is minimal.
“As a result, the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to fall on Saturday, March 21, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan,” the statement said.
However, Suparco noted that the official announcement regarding the beginning of Shawwal and the date of Eid will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which is responsible for confirming the sighting of the crescent based on verified observations and witness testimonies from across the country.
Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had also indicated that Ramadan is likely to complete 30 days this year, as the Shawwal moon is unlikely to be visible on March 19, which corresponds to the 29th day of Ramadan.
The PMD said its assessment was based on astronomical calculations suggesting that the crescent would not be visible that evening.