Ramadan 2026: SUPARCO forecasts first fast on Feb 19

The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has forecast that first fast is likely to fall on February 19 as moon is expected to be sighted on February 18.

Pakistan’s space agency on Friday said the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH will be born on February 17, at 5:01pm (Pakistan Standard Time).

Based on astronomical calculations, the moon’s age at sunset on February 18, 2026, will be approximately 25 hours and 48 minutes, the SUPARCO said. In coastal areas, the interval between sunset and moonset is expected to be around 59 minutes, improving the chances of visibility.

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SUPARCO said that, in light of the available astronomical data, there is a strong possibility that the crescent will be visible to the naked eye on the evening of February 18. As a result, the first day of Ramadan is likely to fall on February 19, 2026.

However, the final announcement regarding the start of the Islamic month will be made by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Pakistan, which is authorized to decide on the basis of verified moon-sighting testimonies received from across the country.

The prediction by SUPARCO is in line with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD)’s prediction.

The Met Office earlier also said new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH will be born on crossing conjunction point at 05:01 PST on 17-02-2026.

“According to astronomical parameters, there is a Fair Chance of sighting the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH on the evening of 18-02-2026 (i.e. on 29th Shaban 1447 AH). The weather is expected to be partly cloudy/fair in most parts of the country,” the PMD said.