Religious authorities in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday announced sighting of the moon, marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramazan.

Saudi Arabia to observe fast from Wednesday, following Ramazan moon sighting on Tuesday evening, conducted by designated committees in several regions of the country.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet in Peshawar on Wednesday to sight the moon of Ramazan 1447AH.

Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad will lead the meeting to announce the sighting of the Ramazan moon.

The Ruet-e-Hilal committee will meet at the Auqaf Department office in Peshawar, where evidence regarding the sighting of the Ramazan crescent will be reviewed.

According to a notification issued by the religious affairs ministry, zonal moon sighting committee meetings will also be held in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Quetta.

According to the Meteorological Department, there is a strong likelihood of the crescent being sighted on Wednesday evening.

If confirmed, the first fast of Ramazan in Pakistan will be observed on Thursday, February 19.

Ramazan, known as a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, is observed by Muslims worldwide.

The holy month of Ramazan lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the Moon sighting of 1st Shawwal.

During this period, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of worship and spiritual discipline.