KARACHI: The Pakis­tan Space and Upper Atm­osphere Research Com­mission (Suparco) on Tuesday forecast that Eidul Azha was expected to fall on May 27.

“The new moon of Zilhajj 1447 AH is expected to be born on May 17 at 1:01am,” it said in a statement.

It said that at sunset the same day, the age of the new moon would be approximately 18 hours and 30 minutes.

It estimated an interval of 60 minutes between “sunset and moonset along the country’s coastal belt”.

“Based on these astronomical parameters, the chances of sighting the Zilhajj crescent on the evening of May 17 are considered favourable,” Suparco said, adding it would be subject to clear weather conditions and visibility near the horizon.

“Consequently, the 1st Zilhajj 1447 AH is anticipated to fall on Monday, May 18, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ziqa’ad,” it said.

Therefore, Eidul Azha will fall on May 27, Suparco said.

Ruet-i-Hilal body

“The final decision regarding the sighting of the Zilhajj crescent and the commencement of the holy month will be made by the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee of Pakistan, which is the sole competent authority to announce the beginning of Islamic months on credible witness testimonies and verified observations from across the country,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, Haj 2026 is expected to begin around May 25.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026