Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to Meet for Zilhaj Moon Sighting

Updated: 9:03 PM PKT — May 17, 2026

Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad has stated that despite the high probability of a sighting, no confirmed testimonies have been received by the central body yet. He affirmed that the final decision will be made in accordance with Sharia law and upon the verification of witness accounts.

Updated: 8:19 PM PKT — May 17, 2026

According to meteorological experts, the new moon was born at 1:01 AM and will be over 18 hours old at sunset, with a visibility duration of 55 minutes. The highest probability for a sighting is in the southern districts of Balochistan. A confirmed sighting today would potentially align Pakistan’s Eid al-Adha celebration with Saudi Arabia.

Updated: 7:44 PM PKT — May 17, 2026

The central committee meeting in Karachi, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, was attended by religious scholars and experts from the meteorological department. Zonal committees have also convened in major cities like Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta, with a final decision pending the consolidation of nationwide testimonies.

Updated: 6:09 PM PKT — May 17, 2026

According to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), there are clear chances of the moon being sighted. The zonal committees will convene in their respective areas to assist in the moon sighting process.