ISLAMABAD, Jan 29: A spokesman for Met office has said that first of Muharramul Haram will fall on Feb 11. "There is no chance of sighting of the new moon of Muharram, 1426 Hijri, on the evening of Feb 9, subject to confirmation by the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee," he said.

Elaborating technical aspects, he said the age of the new moon should be more than 19 hours at the time of twilight for sighting of any new moon, but it will be less than 16 hours throughout the country at twilight on Feb 9.

The minimum duration of the new moon after sunset should be more than 41 minutes so that it could be sighted whereas on Feb 9, the new moon's duration will be less than 34 minutes.

In such a situation, there is a strong possibility that the new moon won't be sighted on Feb 9. Therefore, the first of Muharram is most likely to fall on Feb 11 as the moon would be in perfect condition to be sighted at twilight on Feb 10. Youm-i-Aashur is, therefore, likely to fall on Feb 20 (Sunday).--APP