ISLAMABAD: The Department of Meteorology, while issuing a forecast regarding the sighting of the moon of Muharram 1448 Hijri, said that the chances of sighting of the new moon on June 15 across the country are very low, even as the 1st of Muharram is probable to occur on June 17, 2026. According to the Department of Meteorology, the moon of the new lunar month will rise at 7:54 am on June 15, but it will not be old enough to be seen easily in the evening of the same day. The latest findings add a new dimension to an already closely watched situation.

Background

Several key factors have contributed to the current state of affairs.

The organization says that on the evening of 29 Dhul Hijj, the weather is expected to be unmistakable or partly cloudy in the majority of parts of the country, but notwithstanding this, sighting of the moon is not conceivable.

Analysis

With opinions divided in some quarters, the overall assessment remains significant.

According to the numbers of the Meteorological Department, the moon will set in Punjab at 7:59 PM, while in Sindh, it will set at 8:50 PM.

National Impact

What this means for Americans — and for the country as a whole — is becoming clearer.

In Azad Kashmir, the moon will remain on the horizon until 8:07 PM, while in Gilgit-Baltistan, this time has been fixed at 8:12 PM.

In what observers are describing as a key detail, similarly, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the moon will set at 8:23 pm, while in Balochistan, the moon will disappear from the horizon at 8:34 pm.

What Happens Next

A clearer picture is expected to emerge as more information comes to light in the days ahead. Until then, this development remains a pivotal point in an ongoing story with significant national implications.