ISLAMABAD: A citizen has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court seeking directives for authorities to announce the sighting of the Eid moon promptly once credible evidence was received, arguing that delays create “confusion” and public safety risks, according to a copy of the document seen by Arab News on Tuesday.
In Pakistan, the start of Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, is determined by the sighting of the new moon. The announcement is typically made after meetings of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the official body responsible for moon sighting, sometimes late in the evening following special nightly Ramadan prayers, known as Taraweeh.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department and the national space agency, SUPARCO, have both said the Shawwal crescent is unlikely to be visible on Mar. 19 based on astronomical calculations, suggesting Eid may fall on Mar. 21 after Ramadan completes 30 days. However, the official announcement is made by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee based on verified moon sighting reports.
The petitioner, Abdullah Shafiq, filed his request under Article 199 of Pakistan’s constitution, calling for instructions to the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. He argued that delayed announcements of the moon sighting disrupted religious practices and planning for the Eid holiday.
