KARACHI – The first month of Islamic calendar is about to end and people are looking to sight Safar crescent. Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued its forecast for the new lunar month, indicating when Safar 1448 AH is expected to begin, pending the official announcement by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Met Office predicted possibility of sighting the Safar crescent on evening of July 15, raising expectations that July 16 will mark the first day of the second month of the Islamic calendar.
According to PMD, the new moon will be born at 2:43 p.m. on July 14, creating favorable astronomical conditions for the crescent to become visible the following evening. The department also expects weather and atmospheric visibility to remain conducive across most parts of the country, including Sindh, boosting the likelihood of a successful moon sighting.
Port city of Karachi is expected to offer one of the best viewing opportunities, with the crescent forecast to remain above the horizon for nearly 64 minutes after sunset. Skywatchers will have until approximately 8:28 p.m. to spot the moon, providing an extended observation window.
Despite the optimistic forecast, Met Office clarified that its assessment is based solely on astronomical calculations and prevailing weather conditions. The official commencement of Safar will ultimately be announced by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which will examine moon-sighting testimonies and evidence received from across Pakistan before issuing its final verdict.
Expected Dates of Islamic Year
| Islamic Month | Estimated Date |
| 1 Safar 1448 AH | July 16, 2026 |
| 1 Rabi-ul-Awwal | August 14 or 15, 2026 |
| 1 Rabi-us-Sani | September 13 or 14, 2026 |
| 1 Jumada al-Awwal | October 12 or 13, 2026 |
| 1 Jumada al-Thani | November 11 or 12, 2026 |
| 1 Rajab | December 10 or 11, 2026 |
| 1 Sha’ban | January 8 or 9, 2027 |
| 1 Ramadan | February 7 or 8, 2027 |
| 1 Shawwal (Eid ul-Fitr) | March 8 or 9, 2027 |
| 1 Dhul Qa’dah | April 6 or 7, 2027 |
| 1 Dhul Hijjah | May 6 or 7, 2027 |
| 1 Muharram 1449 AH | June 4 or 5, 2027 |
