The Meteorological Department of Pakistan has issued an update regarding the expected sighting of the Muharram ul Haram 1448 Hijri moon, stating that the chances of visibility on June 15 are extremely low.
According to the department, the new moon will be born on June 15 at 7:54am, making it unlikely to be sighted anywhere in the country on the same evening.
Officials said that June 15, which corresponds to 29 Dhul Hijjah, will not be suitable for moon sighting due to astronomical conditions. Although weather conditions across most parts of the country are expected to remain clear or partly cloudy, the moon will not be visible after sunset.
The report further explained regional sunset timings across Pakistan. In Punjab, the moon is expected to set at 7:59pm, while in Sindh it will set at 8:05pm. In Azad Kashmir, the moon will remain visible until 8:07pm, and in Gilgit-Baltistan until 8:12pm.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the moon is expected to set at 8:23pm, while in Balochistan it will remain visible the longest, setting at 8:34pm.
Meteorological experts noted that although weather conditions may support clear skies in many regions, the short time gap between sunset and moonset in most areas makes visibility highly unlikely.
The department’s forecast aligns with astronomical calculations indicating that the crescent will be too thin and too close to the horizon to be seen with the naked eye.
The final announcement regarding the start of Muharram will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after receiving testimonies of moon sighting from across the country.
Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar year and is one of the most significant months in the Islamic calendar, especially for its religious and historical importance.