1st Safar 1448 AH to be observed on Thursday, July 16

Pakistan's Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon for the Islamic month of Safar, confirming that the first day of Safar 1448 AH will be observed on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon for the Islamic month of Safar, confirming that the first day of Safar 1448 AH will be observed on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

The announcement was made following a meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad in Islamabad. The session took place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, where committee members reviewed moon sighting reports received from different parts of the country.

According to the committee, weather conditions remained mostly clear across Pakistan, allowing observers to view the crescent moon in several locations. Verified testimonies of the moon sighting were received from Nokkundi, Sindh, and other regions. After examining the evidence, the committee unanimously confirmed the beginning of the month of Safar.

The official declaration means that Muslims across Pakistan will observe the first day of Safar on July 16, marking the start of the second month of the Islamic calendar. The announcement provides clarity for religious observances and events that depend on the lunar calendar.

The meeting included representatives from various government departments and scientific institutions. Experts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), and the Ministry of Science and Technology assisted the committee by providing technical information related to moon visibility. Their input supported the committee’s review of the sighting reports before the final decision was announced.

Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs also coordinated the proceedings and communication throughout the meeting. The collaboration between religious scholars and scientific experts reflects Pakistan’s established process for confirming the start of Islamic months.

At the conclusion of the session, special prayers were offered for the unity of the Muslim world, the protection of the Two Holy Mosques, peace and stability in Pakistan, national prosperity, and harmony among Muslims. Participants also prayed for the people of Gaza, Palestine, and Indian-administered Kashmir.

The announcement of the Safar moon sighting marks the beginning of a new Islamic month for millions of Muslims in Pakistan, who will now observe religious activities and important dates according to the newly confirmed lunar calendar.