The Muharram moon, which marks the beginning of the new Islamic year, could not be sighted today, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced on Tuesday.
This means that Youm-e-Ashura will be observed on July 29 (Saturday) and the first of Muharram will be on Thursday (July 20) — marking the beginning of the new Islamic year, 1445 AH.
In the meeting, central and zonal RHC members, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and Ministry of Science and Technology representatives participated.
The meeting for the sighting was presided over by committee chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.
While making the announcement, Maulana Azad said that meetings of zonal crescent sighting committees were held in all the provinces, but no evidence was received from any part of the country.
Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) citing astronomical parameters said there were slim chances of sighting the Muharram moon on July 18 (Tuesday), which will mark the beginning of the new Islamic year, 1445 AH.
Preparations for mourning processions and majalis has commenced with Muharram crescent sighting to remember the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and other martyrs of Karbala.
The federal and provincial governments chalk out special security plans to maintain law and order prior in Pakistan to the Youm-e-Ashure on 10th of Muharram.
