Fawad Chaudhry's lunar calendar challenged in PHC

Petitioner says calendar not in line with Islamic teachings, urges govt to remove Fawad Chaudhry from ministry

PESHAWAR: The lunar calendar launched by Minister for Science and Technology  Fawad Chaudhry was challenged in the Peshawar High Court on Monday.

The petitioner argued that the lunar calendar was not in line with Islamic teachings. “The minister first forced the people to celebrate Eidul Fitr and has now announced that Eidul Azha will be celebrated on August 12,” the petition stated.

He further argued in the petition that in order to determine the day for Eidul Azha, the days of Hajj need to be confirmed.

CCI to decide on lunar calendar after Eid

“Without reading the Holy Quran, the minister has determined days of Eid,” the petitioner claimed and requested that the lunar calendar not be introduced.

He further prayed upon the court in his petition that the science minister be removed from his post.

Chaudhry launched Pakistan’s first moon sighting website days before Eidul Fitr.

The Council of Islamic Ideology said it will review the lunar calendar and a decision would be taken regarding it

CCI Chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz earlier told the media that a final opinion on the calendar cannot be taken without the advice of religious scholars.