Pakistan(National Times)- ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is set to meet in Peshawar for the sighting of Ramadan moon on the evening of February 28 (Friday). If the crescent is sighted, the holy month of fasting will begin on March 1 (Saturday). The committee’s chairman, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, will preside over the meeting, which will commence after the Asr prayer.  Meanwhile, according to a notification from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, different zonal committee meetings would also convene in their respective domains — to receive and assess moon sighting reports. Clerics from all schools of thought will attend the central huddle to ascertain the beginning of the ninth Islamic month. The holy month, which is observed with religious fervour and zeal, will see millions of Pakistanis along with billions of Muslims around the world observing fast from dawn till dusk. The fasting hours range from 12 to 17 hours — depending on the geographical locations across the globe. Earlier this week, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that the first day of fasting in Pakistan is expected to fall on March 2. This is because the meterological department predicted that the new moon will likely be born on the evening of February 28 at 5:45pm, increasing the chances of the crescent sighting on March 1. Additionally, an astronomy centre in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said that the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on March 1, The National reported earlier this week. As per the publication, the International Astronomical Centre (IAC) announced that most Muslim countries will attempt to observe the new crescent moon on February 28, and some countries in the Arab world could sight the moon on the same day. Like many other countries, Pakistan observes Ramadan with increased charity and public food drives with the people establishing roadside stalls for people returning to their homes in the evening. The month usually also witnesses increased business activities due to religious festivities as well as shopping trends in the run-up to Eid ul Fitr.