PMD predicts no chance of Shawwal moon sighting on March 19

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24 (APP): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that there is no likelihood of sighting the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH on the evening of March 19, 2026, corresponding to 29th Ramazan 1447 AH.
According to the Met Office, the new moon will be born at 06:23 Pakistan Standard Time (PST) on March 19, 2026. However, the age of the moon at various meteorological observatories across the country is expected to remain between 12 to 13 hours at sunset, which is considered unfavourable for visibility.
Based on astronomical analysis, the department stated that the chances of sighting the Shawwal moon on that evening are virtually non-existent.
The Met Office clarified that the prediction has been made purely on scientific and astronomical calculations. It added that the final announcement regarding the sighting of the Shawwal moon and the commencement of Eid-ul-Fitr will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in accordance with established procedures.