IHC seeks report on plea seeking early announcement of moon sighting

ISLAMABAD, Mar 18 (APP):The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday sought a report from the Ministry of Religious Affairs on a citizen’s petition to order the early announcement of Eid after sighting moon.

Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar, hearing the case, remarked that an announcement will be made only if the moon is sighted. He said that first, the moon sightings are collected from all four provinces. Then a meeting is held, after which a decision is made, but only then does it take time, he said.

He observed that an announcement cannot be made without sighting the moon. He, however, said that let’s ask for a report from the respondents.

Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar heard the petition of citizen Abdullah Shafiq, who appeared in court in his personal capacity.
He prayed that the court order the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to announce the moon quickly.

People also offer Taraweeh prayers due to the delay in the announcement of the moon. The announcement of the moon late at night suddenly increases the rush in the markets, he said.

The court adjourned the hearing while seeking a report, but did not give a future date.