Quetta( The COW News Digital)Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has officially announced the sighting of the Muharram moon, marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1447 AH. The first day of Muharram will fall on Friday, June 27, and the Day of Ashura will be observed on Sunday, July 6.
The announcement was made after a meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Quetta. Simultaneous meetings of the zonal and district moon-sighting committees were conducted at their respective headquarters.
Speaking after the meeting, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad stated, “We have received multiple credible testimonies of moon sighting from various parts of the country. Therefore, the first of Muharram will be observed on Friday, June 27. Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, will fall on Sunday, July 6.”
As per tradition, the federal government will announce two public holidays for Ashura, falling on July 5 (Saturday) and July 6 (Sunday). The Cabinet Division’s official holiday calendar for 2025 also reflects these dates, and an official notification is expected to be issued soon.
Pakistan’s space agency SUPARCO had earlier predicted the likelihood of moon sighting on June 26. According to SUPARCO, the moon was expected to be born on June 25 at 3:32 PM. By sunset on June 26, the moon’s age would be around 28 hours and 15 minutes, creating favorable conditions for visibility, particularly in coastal areas where the moonset was expected 75 minutes after sunset.
SUPARCO’s forecast indicated a high probability of moon sighting if weather conditions remained clear, aligning with the committee’s final announcement. The visibility conditions were described as “ideal” for most southern parts of the country.
Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds significant religious importance, particularly the 10th day, known as Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.
Security measures and arrangements for processions are expected to be announced in the coming days by provincial governments and local law enforcement agencies to ensure peaceful observances.
