KARACHI – The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted that the Ramazan moon would likely to be seen on May 16 (Wednesday).
According to PMD officials, the first day of the holy month will be on May 17 (Thursday) as per scientific reasoning, adding that Ramazan’s new moon would born on May 15 at 4:49 pm.
Moreover, the age of the new moon will be 26 hours and 45 minutes at the time of sighting on May 16 and it will be visible for 61 minutes after sunset, said the officials.
Saudi Arabia and most Arab countries are expected to sight the Moon on May 15.
Muslim communities of United States and in Europe rely on astronomical calculations and will thus observe Ramazan from May 15, with the first day of fasting being May 16.
The first day of Ramazan is often observed on different days, depending on the local visibility of the Moon.
Earlier, the government has approved Ramazan Relief Package 2018 with a subsidy of Rs1.733 billion for daily use items provided by the Utility Stores Corporation.