ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) announced on Monday that the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on March 2, 2025 (Sunday), with Eid ul-Fitr projected to be celebrated on the 31st of the month.
According to a press release, the commission has made its predictions about the moon’s visibility based on scientific assessments, astronomical calculations, and modern observational data.
However, it emphasized that the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee will examine testimonies from across the country and make a formal announcement about the start of the holy month, as unaided observation of the crescent moon with the naked eye is a religious obligation for determining the month’s beginning.
Suparco indicated that, according to precise astronomical models, the new moon (conjunction) for Ramadan will occur on February 28, 2025, at 05:45 PST. However, the visibility of the crescent moon depends on several factors such as the moon’s age, its angular separation from the sun, altitude at sunset, and atmospheric conditions.
Suparco stated that the probability of the moon being visible on February 28 is “not visible even with optical aid,” which suggests that the likelihood of sighting the moon on that date in Pakistan is “extremely low.”
