PESHAWAR: The Central Ruet e Hilal Committee has officially announced the sighting of the Ramadan moon confirming that the first fast in Pakistan will be observed on Thursday February 19, 2026.

Chairman Abdul Khabir Azad made the announcement following the committee’s meeting held in Peshawar. He stated that credible moon sighting testimonies were received from multiple regions of the country confirming the beginning of Ramadan 1447 Hijri.

The meeting was attended by officials from key institutions, including representatives of SUPARCO the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

According to committee member Mufti Atiq ur Rehman the first reports were received from Upper Dir and Mohmand district. In total approximately 40 verified testimonies were submitted to the central committee.

Zonal Ruet e Hilal Committee meetings were also held in Islamabad and other provincial capitals to review local evidence.

Chairman Azad expressed optimism that Ramadan would commence uniformly across the country. Meanwhile authorities in India and Bangladesh also confirmed the moon sighting with the first fast falling on February 19.