Islamabad, March 1, 2025: The Ramadan moon was finally sighted in Pakistan on Saturday evening, marking the beginning of the holy month. As the news spread, a sense of spiritual anticipation and devotion filled the air. The first fast would be observed on Sunday, March 2, and across the country, millions of Muslims were preparing for a month dedicated to prayer, self-reflection, and charity.
Markets quickly became a hive of activity as families rushed to buy dates, fruits, and other essentials for Suhoor and Iftar. Mosques, too, were being cleaned and adorned, ready to welcome worshippers for Taraweeh prayers. The government announced special arrangements to accommodate the spirit of Ramadan, including adjusted working hours and designated areas for Iftar gatherings. Security and traffic plans were also put in place to ensure smooth movement, while special Ramadan bazaars were set up across major cities, offering affordable essentials for the month.
Health experts issued important reminders, urging people to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet, cautioning against overeating and dehydration. With long fasting hours ahead, they emphasized the importance of consuming nutritious meals during Suhoor and Iftar.
The moon sighting itself had been a topic of eager speculation. A day earlier, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee had announced that no testimonies of the moon had been received, leading to uncertainty. However, after careful observations on Saturday, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad confirmed that Ramadan would indeed begin the following day.
As the night fell, homes and mosques echoed with prayers, and a quiet sense of peace settled over the country. With the sighting of the crescent moon, Pakistan was ready to embrace another Ramadan, a time of faith, community, and devotion.