IT is a measure of just how complicated the affairs of this country have become when we are hopeful of a resolution to a problem in the temporary absence of one influential individual.

Mufti Popalzai, we are told, is away in Saudi Arabia to perform umrah, which raises expectations that, this time round, we might be able to celebrate Eid on the same day all over the country.

The mufti, who belongs to Masjid Qasim Ali Khan in Peshawar, has frequently been cast as the one-man force responsible for this country routinely having two Eids.

There is a long history to this controversy which is highlighted most during the sighting of the moon for Ramazan and Eidul Fitr.

So many years have gone into the dispute that now it appears as if it is no longer just a matter between the state-appointed Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and an individual who is routinely inclined to celebrate Eid a day earlier than the majority in the country.

Reports indicate that even when Mufti Popalzai and one or more of his top aides may be away, there is a system in place to assert the evidence of moon-sighting if and when the Qasim Khan followers see it fit.

In sum then, the chances of disagreement and controversy are there even when the renowned mufti is not.

It is quite clear that disagreement has to be addressed by confronting and discussing the issue rather than wishing for relief from the temporary removal of the dissenter.

The chances of a durable answer are linked to all sides sitting down and finding a way to celebrate together, without their usual hang-ups — however impossible a proposition this may seem.

Let’s repeat it once more: science offers a way out, only if those in disagreement are willing to make use of it for the sake of clarity and cohesion. Others who have applied scientific formulae to deal with the matter are able to celebrate their Eids without the controversies that are common in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2016