Govt launches efforts to synchronise start of Ramazan

Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousuf contacts K-P religious counterpart, local religious scholars

ISLAMABAD: After introducing uniform prayer timings in Islamabad, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has initiated efforts to make citizens observe the start of Ramazan on the same day and accept the findings of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

In this regard, Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf contacted on Sunday his counterpart in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Religious Affairs Haji Habibur Rahman and other local religious scholars. Just like uniform prayer timings, Yousuf asked Rehman for joint efforts to address the perennial issue of moon sightings, and was assured the latter’s support.

Yousuf, according to a senior official of the ministry, requested all stakeholders to consider the request and cooperate for the commencement of the holy month across the country on the same date.

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The federal minister in a statement said all steps would be taken for the start of Ramazan on the same day across the country.

The minister discussed in detail the latest equipment available with the committee for moon sighting, added the official. Requesting the stakeholders to follow the committee’s decision, he also offered the K-P government's assistance in provision of latest scientific equipment for moon sighting along with the committee.

Yousuf said the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee had sub-committees and representatives across the country, which are assisted by the Metrological Department, thus enhancing the accuracy of their decision.

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Ordinance on cards for implementation of uniform prayer timings

Meanwhile, sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs told The Express Tribune the government was considering a range of options for the implementation of uniform prayer timings introduced on May 1 during the visit of Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Khalid al Ghamdi, in the federal capital.

The decision, which was taken in haste backfired and was rejected by a majority of mosque committees.

Sources said the 10-member Salat Committee comprising ulema from different school of thoughts held a meeting, and according to their proposal, the government should promulgate an ordinance for implementation of uniform prayer timings.

The plan would be discussed in the next meeting for which the date has not been fixed yet.