RAWALPINDI: The month of Ramazan is likely to last 30 days this year as the Meteorological Department (PMD) has indicated that the Shawwal moon is unlikely to be visible on March 19 (29th of Ramazan).

According to the Met Office, the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH will be born at 6:23am on March 19. The age of the moon at the time of observation at meteorological observatories is expected to be between 12 and 13 hours, which is not favourable for sighting.

“As per astronomical analysis, there is no chance of sighting the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH on the evening of March 19,” the PMD stated.

The department said the prediction is based on astronomical analysis. However, the final decision regarding the announcement of the new moon rests with the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2026