Ramadan 2026 in Pakistan: Dates, Times & Moon Sighting

Ramadan 2026 in Pakistan is expected to start Wednesday, February 18 or Thursday, February 19, 2026. The official date is announced by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after attempting to sight the new moon on the evening of the 29th of Sha’ban.

Pakistan typically starts Ramadan 1 day after Saudi Arabia due to the requirement for local moon sighting within Pakistani territory. The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meets on the 29th of Sha’ban, and if the moon is not sighted, Sha’ban completes 30 days and Ramadan begins the following day.

Fasting hours in Pakistan during Ramadan 2026 will be approximately 12-13 hours, which is moderate compared to summer Ramadans. The weather in February-March is pleasant, making fasting more comfortable.

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Ramadan 2026 Expected Dates for Pakistan

Event	Expected Date	Day
Moon sighting attempt	February 17, 2026	Tuesday evening
First day of Ramadan	February 18 or 19, 2026	Wed/Thu
Mid-Ramadan	March 4-5, 2026	Wed/Thu
Last 10 Nights begin	March 9-10, 2026	Mon/Tue
Eid al-Fitr	March 20-22, 2026	Fri-Sun

Final dates depend on Ruet-e-Hilal Committee moon sighting announcements.

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Fasting Times by Pakistani City (Expected First Day)

City	Sehri Ends (Fajr)	Iftar (Maghrib)	Fasting Hours
Karachi	5:35 AM	6:20 PM	~12.8 hours
Lahore	5:25 AM	5:55 PM	~12.5 hours
Islamabad	5:25 AM	5:50 PM	~12.4 hours
Peshawar	5:20 AM	5:45 PM	~12.4 hours
Quetta	5:35 AM	6:05 PM	~12.5 hours
Faisalabad	5:25 AM	5:55 PM	~12.5 hours
Multan	5:30 AM	6:00 PM	~12.5 hours

Times are approximate. Verify with local mosque timetables.

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How Ramadan Dates Are Decided in Pakistan

1. Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meets on 29th Sha’ban evening
2. Moon sighting attempts made across Pakistan
3. Testimonies collected from various locations
4. Chairman announces decision on national TV (PTV, state media)
5. If moon sighted: Ramadan begins next day
6. If not sighted: Sha’ban completes 30 days, Ramadan starts day after

The committee is chaired by religious scholars and includes members from various Islamic schools of thought in Pakistan.

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Pakistan Ramadan Traditions

• Sehri (Suhoor): Pre-dawn meal, often with paratha, eggs, and lassi
• Iftar: Break fast with dates, pakoras, samosas, fruit chaat
• Taraweeh: Night prayers at mosques, usually 20 rakats
• Sehr-o-Iftar timing announcements: Broadcast on TV and radio
• Ramadan transmission: Special TV programs throughout the month

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Ramadan in Pakistan: Practical Considerations

Government adjustments: During Ramadan, the Pakistani government reduces work hours for government offices and schools. Offices typically operate from 8 AM to 2 PM or 3 PM instead of the usual schedule. Many private companies follow similar shortened hours.

Sehr-o-Iftar sirens: In many Pakistani cities, municipal authorities sound a siren at sehri (suhoor) end time and iftar time. This tradition helps people who may not have access to precise prayer time apps, especially in rural areas. TV and radio channels also display countdown timers.

Load shedding during Ramadan: The government typically reduces electricity load shedding (planned power outages) during Ramadan, especially during sehri and iftar hours. However, it’s wise to keep a charged phone and backup alarm for suhoor.

Charitable giving: Pakistan sees a massive increase in charitable giving during Ramadan. Organizations like Edhi Foundation, Saylani Welfare, and Akhuwat Foundation run major food distribution programs. Many restaurants and individuals set up free iftar stalls (dastarkhwan) on roadsides for anyone to eat.

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Related Questions

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Last updated: February 3, 2026