ISLAMABAD - Religious Affairs Secretary Dr Aftab Akbar Durrani on Sunday expressed the hope that the new crescent of the holy month of Ramazan would be announced after forging consensus with all stakeholders. He said there was a proper mechanism for moon sighting and the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee which had always taken provinces on board into the matter. Secretary Durrani said the committee had never been disrespectful to anyone and performed its job mandate professionally. According to the official sources, the committee was going to meet on March 22 in Peshawar to witness the crescent of the holy month of Ramazan. The committee would be comprised of representatives of religious scholars, SPARCO, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, they added. They said the final announcement regarding the moon sighting would be made public in the light of testimonies received from all over the country. Meanwhile, the PMD had forecast the possibility of Ramazan moon sighting on March 22, (29th Sha’ban 1444 AH). It said the new moon of Ramazan 1444 AH was expected to be born on the crossing conjunction point at 22-23 PST on March 21. “It will be clear or partly cloudy in most parts of the country on March 22,” the PMD forecast the weather condition pertaining to particular day across country.
Saad Rafique sees reforms in judicial system imperative