ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced on Sunday that Eid ul Adha will be observed on May 27 across the country after the sighting of the Zil Hajj crescent.
Chairman of Pakistan’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, made the announcement after a meeting of the committee held at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in Karachi.
Addressing a press conference, Ruet chairman said that credible testimonies of moon sighting have been received from several parts of the country.
“It was decided with consensus that first Zilhaj 1447 AH will be on Monday, May 18, and Eid ul Adha will be observed on Wednesday, May 27”, he said.
Earlier, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) had forecast that the new moon was likely to be sighted on May 17.
A spokesperson for Pakistan’s space agency explained that the age of the new moon at sunset on May 17 will be approximately 18 hours and 30 minutes, conditions generally considered suitable for visibility across several regions of the country.
However, SUPARCO clarified that the official and final decision regarding the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon rests with Pakistan’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which is responsible for the formal announcement of the Islamic lunar calendar in the country.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command.
The festival is marked by the ritual slaughter of animals, with the meat traditionally distributed among family, friends, and the underprivileged.
Preparations for Eid are already underway, with temporary cattle markets set up in cities and towns across Pakistan to facilitate the purchase of sacrificial animals.
The faithful will offer sacrifices over the three days of Eid, in keeping with Islamic tradition.
During this period, government offices, banks, and most private institutions will remain closed.
Transport hubs are expected to see a significant increase in passenger traffic as people travel to their hometowns to celebrate the festival with families.
