The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on Tuesday said that Eidul Azha is expected to fall on May 27, based on astronomical calculations related to the sighting of the Zilhajj moon.
In a statement, SUPARCO said the new moon of Zilhajj 1447 AH is expected to be born on May 17 at 1:01am.
The space agency said that by sunset on the same day, the moon’s age would be approximately 18 hours and 30 minutes, while the gap between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal areas is expected to be around 60 minutes.
According to SUPARCO, these conditions make the chances of sighting the Zilhajj crescent on the evening of May 17 “favourable”, subject to clear weather conditions and visibility near the horizon.
It added that the first day of Zilhajj 1447 AH is likely to begin on May 18, signalling the end of the month of Zilqad.
Based on these projections, Eidul Azha is expected to be observed across the country on May 27.
However, SUPARCO clarified that the final decision regarding the sighting of the moon and the commencement of the Islamic month lies with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which announces official dates based on verified moon sightings received from different parts of the country.
