Moon sighted, Pakistan to observe Ramadan from Feb. 19

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will begin observing the holy month of Ramadan from Feb. 19 after the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced the sighting of the crescent moon on Wednesday evening.

Earlier in the day, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met in Peshawar for the Ramadan moon sighting under the chairmanship of Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, according to Radio Pakistan.

The central committee convened at 4:30 p.m. at the Auqaf Hall, while zonal committees met in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Islamabad.

A day earlier, the Ramadan crescent was sighted in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait, where residents began observing their first fast on Wednesday. Several other countries reported no moon sighting.

Muslims worldwide welcome Ramadan with deep religious devotion, as over a billion believers fast to practise patience, self-discipline and generosity.

Islamic months last 29 or 30 days, with their beginning and end determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. As a result, Ramadan does not fall on the same Gregorian date each year.

Ramzan Relief Package

At the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a review meeting was convened to assess implementation arrangements and administrative preparedness for the Ramzan Relief Package 2026, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the National Database and Registration Authority, the State Bank of Pakistan, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Benazir Income Support Programme, the National Telecommunication Corporation, the Press Information Department, and participating banks. The meeting announced the immediate commencement of crediting Ramzan relief funds.

Minister Syed Imran Ahmad Shah directed the State Bank of Pakistan to ensure full operational availability of banks on the first day of Ramzan, so that beneficiaries receive assistance without interruption, as per the statement.

The minister also directed that all pending beneficiary bank accounts be opened on a priority basis, the statement added.

Wishes from leaders

With the commencement of Ramadan, wishes poured in from world leaders

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the people of Pakistan and Muslims around the world on the advent of the blessed, spiritually rich holy month of Ramadan.

“Fasting is not merely the observance of a religious obligation; rather, it is practical training in patience, discipline, and a sense of responsibility in our daily lives,” the prime minister said, reported APP, quoting the PM Office Media Wing press release.

President Asif Ali Zardari also extended greetings to the nation and the Muslim Ummah, describing the sacred month as a period of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation.

The president said Ramadan encouraged Muslims to strengthen their bond with the Holy Quran, observe prayers, engage in supplication and remembrance of Allah, and promote brotherhood, tolerance, and unity in society. He said the month also inspired collective awareness to eliminate social injustices, APP reported.

The United States issued a statement on Tuesday wishing Ramadan to all who are celebrating.

“Every Ramadan stands as a reverent season of spiritual renewal, reflective meditation, and appreciation for God’s countless blessings. This sacred time for many Americans emphasizes prayer and fasting, strengthens familial and community ties, and affirms our shared values of compassion, charity, mercy, and humility," the White House said in a statement.

The Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, also wrote on his official X, wishing Muslims in Canada and around the world  “a blessed and peaceful month of reflection and prayer."

Writing on his official X, the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also wished while marking the month as a "chance for Muslims to reaffirm their faith, to reflect, to forgive, and to practice acts of love and kindness."

He also highlighted the "pain and grief" that the conflict in the Middle East has caused for Muslims in Australia, adding that "there is much to be done" for achieving peace in the region.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also wished “Muslim communities in the UK and across the world a peaceful and blessed holy month."