The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee on Tuesday announced the sighting of moon for the month of Shawwal, saying Eidul Fitr will be celebrated across Pakistan on Wednesday (April 10).
The announcement was made by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.
In addition to committee members, officials from the Meteorological Department, SPARCO, Science and Technology sectors also participated in the meeting.
Separate meetings of zonal and district Ruet committees were also held at their respective regional headquarters.
Addressing a press conference after the central committee's meeting ended, Maulana Azad said moon-sighting testimonies had been received from Kohlu, Khyber, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Karachi and other areas.
Following the conclusion of the Zonal Sighting of the Crescent Committee meeting, reports from Lahore indicate a cloudy evening, thwarting efforts to spot the crescent moon.
Despite eager anticipation and diligent observation, the elusive moon remained hidden behind the thick veil of clouds, disappointing many who had gathered in hopes of catching a glimpse.
Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had forecast that there were more chances for the sighting of Shawwal moon.
The met department had said weather across the country would be clear, hence it would be clear to sight moon here.
Armed forces, CJCSC, services chiefs felicitate nation on Eidul Fitr
The Pakistan Armed Forces, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and service chiefs felicitated the nation on the auspicious occasion of Eidul Fitr, the military's media affairs wing said.
According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), "The real essence of a solider lies in serving on the front lines."
"Let us come together on this auspicious occasion to reflect on the unwavering spirit of our national heroes. The morale of national heroes serves as a beacon for both the Armed Forces and the entire nation." said the ISPR.
President Zardari calls for unity and solidarity in Eid message to nation
President Asif Ali Zardari felicitated the Pakistani nation and the Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of Eidul Fitr and urged them to show compassion and generosity and share their happiness with the poor and needy.
In a message, he said, “On this auspicious occasion of Eidul Fitr I felicitate and express my sincere wishes to the Pakistani nation and Muslim Ummah.”
“I pray to Allah Almighty to bring immense blessings, happiness, peace and security to everyone on this blessed day.”
“After all the fasting, prayers and charity in the sacred month of Ramazan, we should be thankful to Allah Almighty for bestowing all the blessings and happiness on us.”
PM extends Eid wishes, calls for global support for Palestinians, Kashmiris
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his heartfelt greetings to his countrymen and the entire Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and asked everyone to help the least fortunate among them.
In a message, he said, “On the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings to my countrymen and the entire Muslim Ummah. This day marks the end of Ramazan, a month of immense blessings, spiritual growth, forgiveness, patience, tolerance and resilience.”
“The underlying message of Eid is that of solidarity, compassion, generosity and harmony and inspires us to build a peaceful and prosperous society. While we enjoy the celebratory delight of this great occasion, we must not forget the least fortunate amongst us. I appeal to you to help those around you who deserve our support so that they could also share the joys of this occasion.”
Meteorological Department Officers Spot Shawwal Moon in Karachi
Four officers from the Meteorological Department in Karachi have reported sighting the moon through a digital telescope.
According to the department, the moon was observed between 7:19 and 7:24 PM local time, with the official time of moon sighting recorded at 7:42 PM in Karachi.
The Meteorological Department asserts that while their officers have spotted the moon, the final decision regarding its sighting will be made by the Central Viewing Crescent Committee.
Shawwal moon not sighted in Saudi Arabia, Eidul Fitr to fall on Wednesday
On Monday, Saudi Arabia announced that Eidul Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, as the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted in the kingdom on Monday.
Despite a pre-scheduled meeting of Saudi Arabia's "Moon Sighting Committee," no moon sighting was reported anywhere in the country.
PM Sharif, emir of Qatar exchange Eid greetings, commit to bilateral ties
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday extended warm Eid greetings to the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamd Al Thani, during an exchange between the two leaders.
The communication emphasized the shared commitment to strengthen the enduring brotherly ties between Pakistan and Qatar.
During the conversation, Prime Minister Sharif conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the emir of Qatar on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, highlighting his determination to bolster the close and mutually beneficial relations between the two nations.
He also reiterated Pakistan's eagerness to collaborate with Qatar in various sectors, underlining the potential for enhanced cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, and investment.
Furthermore, PM Sharif extended an invitation to the emir of Qatar to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.
In response, the emir reciprocated the Eid greetings and expressed his sincere good wishes for the people of Pakistan. Additionally, he conveyed his keen desire to visit Pakistan in the near future.
High alert issued for heavy rain, storms in Lahore, parts of Punjab during Eid
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert for heavy rains and potential storms set to hit Lahore and various parts of Punjab during Eidul Fitr celebrations.
The director general of PDMA, Irfan Ali Kathia, highlighted the likelihood of intermittent stormy rains between tomorrow and April 15, urging citizens to remain vigilant and prepare accordingly.
The heavy rains are expected in Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Chakwal from April 10 to 12. Moreover, major divisions such as Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Sahiwal, and districts of Bahawalpur Division are also anticipated to experience rainfall starting from April 12.
PM Shehbaz approves 4-day holiday on Eidul Fitr
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has given his approval for Eidul Fitr holidays, granting four days off for the occasion, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The decision comes ahead of the upcoming Eid celebrations, with an official notification is expected soon, likely confirming the holiday window from April 10th to 13th.
