In a bizarre move, a citizen has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC), requesting directives for the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to announce the Shawwal moon sighting earlier than usual.
The petitioner Abdullah Shafiq argues that delays in the official moon sighting announcement create problems for the public.
IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar is set to hear the petition on Wednesday.
Mr Shafiq’s plea says that people continue offering congregational Taraweeh prayers due to uncertainty, while late announcement also trigger a last-minute rush in the markets.
Shafiq further urged the court to instruct authorities to take preventive steps to avoid any potential law and order situation.
He also requested directions to keep markets closed, except for designated outlets meant for Eid shopping.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has indicated that Eid ul Fitr is likely to fall on March 21, following a 30-day Ramadan.
It noted that the Shawwal moon is expected to be born on March 19, but chances of sighting it that evening remain low.
