SUPARCO Announces Expected Date for Shaaban Moon Sighting in Pakistan

The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has issued its astronomical forecast for the start of Shaaban 1447 AH, indicating that the crescent moon is most likely to be sighted on the evening of January 20, 2026, while visibility on January 19 is expected to be very difficult.

SUPARCO reported that the new moon will occur at 12:52 AM on January 19, 2026. By sunset on the same day, the moon’s age will be approximately 17 hours and 36 minutes, and in coastal areas, the time between sunset and moonset will be around 33 minutes, making naked-eye observation unlikely.

Based on calculations, there is a chance of spotting the crescent on Tuesday evening, January 20, corresponding to the 30th of Rajab. If the crescent is not sighted, the first day of Shaaban is expected to be January 21, 2026. The official announcement will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after reviewing verified testimonies nationwide, with a meeting scheduled on January 19 alongside zonal and district sessions. SUPARCO also highlighted the Ruet mobile application launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology to modernize and streamline the moon sighting process.