The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) announced on Friday that the first day of Ramazan 2026 is likely to fall on February 19. This prediction follows the expected birth of the new moon on February 17 at 5:01 pm. Suparco detailed that by sunset on February 18, the new moon will be about 25 hours and 48 minutes old, with a 59-minute window between sunset and moonset along Pakistan's coastal areas. "Consequently, the 1st of Ramazan may likely to fall on 19 Feb 2026," said Suparco. However, the agency clarified that the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee remains the only authority to announce the official start of Ramazan. This decision will depend on credible moon sighting testimonies from across the country. Earlier this week, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) noted a "fair chance" of sighting the Ramazan new moon on the evening of February 18. It added that the weather should be partly cloudy or fair in most regions on that day, improving the possibility of moon sighting.