KARACHI – The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted that theRamazan moon would likely to be seen on May 16 (Wednesday).
According to PMD officials, the first day of the holy month will be on May17 (Thursday) as per scientific reasoning, adding that Ramazan’s new moonwould born on May 15 at 4:49 pm.
Moreover, the age of the new moon will be 26 hours and 45 minutes at thetime of sighting on May 16 and it will be visible for 61 minutes aftersunset, said the officials.
Saudi Arabia and most Arab countries are expected to sight the Moon on May15.
Muslim communities of United States and in Europe rely on astronomicalcalculations and will thus observe Ramazan from May 15, with the first dayof fasting being May 16.
The first day of Ramazan is often observed on different days, depending onthe local visibility of the Moon.
Earlier, the government has approved Ramazan Relief Package 2018 with asubsidy of Rs1.733 billion for daily use items provided by the UtilityStores Corporation.