Category: World

The Shawwal crescent moon 1442 sighted in Pakistan, Eid-ul-Fitr 2021 will fall on  Thursday 14 May.

According to details, the meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Ruet Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.

The meeting is also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and the Meteorological Department.

Meetings of Zonal Ruet Hilal Committees were also held in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Peshawar.

The meeting of the Karachi Zonal Committee was chaired by Hafiz Muhammad Salafi in which Qari Nazir Ahmad Naeemi, Qari Muhammad Iqbal, Maulana Sabir Hussain and other directors participated.

The Karachi Zonal Committee of Ruet-e-Hilal informed the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee about the evidence. The final announcement has been made by the Central Ruet Hilal Committee.

The Meteorological Department had said that the new moon of the month of Shawwal was born at 12:01 pm on the night of May 12, the moon was not likely to be visible due to cloudy weather, the met department had announced earlier.

Mufti Popalzai of Peshawar’s Qasim Khan mosque also announced to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr 2021 tomorrow 13th May Thursday.

Earlier in the past, Mufti Popalzai has also declared Eid a day earlier than the federal Ruet Hilal committee.

Peshawar’s Qasim Ali Khan mosque had received 150 testimonies of Shawwal moon sighting from several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said that there is no possibility of seeing the Shawwal moon today.

He wrote on Twitter that the age of the moon in Pakistan is 13 hours and 42 minutes, so there is no possibility of seeing the moon today.

The Minister added that those who want to celebrate Eid with Saudi Arabia, have an option to do so, but it is not the wisdom to end the holy month by lying adding that they should just say that they want to celebrate Eid with Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from Agencies

Peshawar’s Mufti Popalzai announces Eid on Thursday

Claims 23 people appeared before committee to record testimonies

Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai has announced that Peshawar will celebrate Eid on Thursday, May 13.

The unofficial Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Masjid Qasim Ali Khan has announced Wednesday that the moon of Shawwal was sighted in several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A meeting of the unofficial committee chaired by Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai was held at Peshawar’s Masjid Qasim Ali Khan.

Mufti Popalzai claimed that 23 people personally appeared before the committee to record their testimonies.

Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee hasn’t received any testimonies

The meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee on  Shawwal moon sighting is still underway in Islamabad.

Its chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad told reporters that his committee has so far received no testimonies of moon sighting.

He urged media not to air unverified news and spread misinformation.

Eid to be celebrated on May 14, says Fawad 

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan, Fawad Chaudhry had tweeted that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in Pakistan on Friday, May 14. 

The minister had based his prediction according to the Ruet app and the calendar. However, Chaudhry had clarified in the same tweet that the final decision in this regard will be announced by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

اگرچہ عید کا حتمی اعلان رویت ھلال کمیٹی نے کرنا ہے لیکن @MinistryofST کے بنائے گئے کیلنڈر اور Ruet App (رویت) کے مطابق چاند 13 مئ کو نظر آ پائے گا اور عید 14 مئ کو ہو گی۔

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) May 9, 2021

The information minister said the moon will appear on May 13 and Eid will fall on May 14, according to the calendar and the moon sighting app.

Eid on Friday, predicts PMD 

A day earlier, the Meteorological Department had said that Pakistan would observe Eid-ul-Fitr on Friday, as there was “no chance” of citing the Shawwal moon on May 12, Wednesday.

If the moon is not sighted on Wednesday — Ramadan 29 — then the holy month would extend to 30 days, and the festival of Eid will be celebrated on May 14 — Friday.

The new moon of Shawwal,1442 AH will be born on crossing conjunction point at 00-01PST on 12-05-2021

According to astronomical parameters, there is No Chance of sighting the new moon of Shawwal,1442 AH on the evening of 12-05-2021 i.e. on 29th of Ramzan, 1442 AH#Moonsighting pic.twitter.com/VbEXHK5vy3

— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) May 11, 2021

With input from Agencies

“Little to no possibility to seeing the crescent today”- Chief Astronomer Saudi Arabia Abdullah Al Khudairi

Islamabad: Saudi Arabia has emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve their outstanding matters, including the Kashmir issue.

Pakistan Foreign Office on Saturday night released a joint statement agreed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after Prime Minister Imran Khan held high-level talks with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

Khan is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7-May 9.

The two sides emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially Jammu and Kashmir issue, to ensure peace and stability in the region,” according to the joint statement.

The Crown Prince “welcomed the recent understanding reached between the military authorities of Pakistan and India regarding ceasefire at the Line of Control (LoC), which is based on a 2003 understanding between Pakistan and India.

The militaries of India and Pakistan, in a surprise announcement on February 25, said that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors.

India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with it in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence.

During Khan’s Saudi visit, the two sides also reviewed all facets of bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest and agreed to further strengthen the relationship in diverse fields.

They signed an agreement on the establishment of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC). An MoU on combating illicit traffic in narcotics, drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals was also signed.

They also inked a framework MoU between Saudi Fund for Development and Pakistan for financing projects in energy, hydropower generation, Infrastructure, transport communication and water resource development.

Cooperation agreements in the field of combating crimes and on the transfer of convicted prisoners were also signed.

The two leaders also stressed the need for concerted efforts by the Muslim countries to confront extremism and violence, reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security.

They called for joint efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. PTI

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, accompanied by first lady Bushra Bibi, performed Umrah earlier today and entered the Ka’bah.

ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on the 29th of Ramadan, May 12, to sight the Eid-ul-Fitr moon.

The meeting will take place in Islamabad with Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad presiding over it, the statement said.

The meetings of zonal committees would take place in their respective areas, while the central committee would gather witnesses from across the country.

Meanwhile, the meteorological department said the birth of the Shawwal moon will take place after 12:00am on May 12.

“There is no chance that the Shawwal moon will be sighted on Wednesday,” it said.

CAIRO — The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Ahmad Aboul Gheit condemned in the strongest terms the storming of Israeli occupation forces into Al-Aqsa Mosque areas on Friday evening and the targeting of unarmed Palestinians with sound, gas and rubber bullets.

In a statement, Aboul Gheit stressed that such attack provokes all Muslims around the world, and shows a deliberate Israeli policy to escalate the situation there.

The Arab League chief warned of the consequences of inflaming the situation, stressing that the Israeli escalation comes in the wake of a series of provocations and irresponsible actions against the Palestinian people, which requires urgent international action to stop the attacks that may cause further escalation of the situation in the occupied territories.

He added that Israeli occupation forces’ timing of this action, including the sanctity it entails for Muslims, reflects a deliberate intention to provoke the Palestinians as well as a refusal to accept Muslims’ feelings in during these days of the holy month of Ramadan

Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf condemned on Friday the ongoing construction of Israeli settlements and evacuations of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem by Israeli forces.

In a press statement Dr. Hajraf emphasized the seriousness of Israel’s action, by creating major obstacles to reach peace in the region, as it continues to violate the principles of international law, and shows disregard to international efforts.

Al-Hajraf called on the international community to pressure Israeli forces do stop settlements construction and displacement of Palestinians.

He also stressed the firm position of the GCC in supporting Palestinians and their legitimate right to establish their independent state according to the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative within the framework of the international laws.

Earlier, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said Friday that the aftermath of earlier clashes that took place in Al-Aqsa Mosque after it was stormed by Israeli occupation forces and in Bab Al-Amud Square and Sheikh Jarrah neighborhoods, resulted in the injury of about 200 Palestinians, two critically.

The Society said, in a statement that 83 injuries were transferred to hospitals in the city of Jerusalem, and the other had been treated on the field.

The agency added that a large number of injuries were to the face, eyes and chest, noting that it had set up a field hospital in Jerusalem due to the high number of injuries and the inability of emergency rooms in Arab hospitals to receive more wounded.

For its part, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said that medical teams at Al-Maqasid Hospital in Jerusalem dealt with 83 Palestinians injuries.

The ministry added in a separate statement that two were hit in the head and they were in serious condition, and three were in the eye, one of whom one lost his eye, and the other two suffered a fractured jaw while other injuries were minor.

Earlier, hundreds of Israeli soldiers stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque after the end of the sunset prayer, and fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound and gas bombs at the worshipers. — Agencies

Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan visited Masjid Al Nabawi, Madinah today

Agreements signed to improve ties between the two countries in first series of meetings

Pakistani leader will hold meetings with Saudi leadership over coming days

JEDDAH: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived Friday in Saudi Arabia ahead of a three-day visit to the Kingdom, on the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Khan was received in Jeddah by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Minister of Commerce, Acting Minister of Information, Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi and other officials on his arrival.

The two leaders then held a series of talks, during which they emphasized the depth of relations between the two brotherly countries and the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation and coordination in various fields.

They also “exchanged views and issues of concern to the two countries on the regional and international arenas, in a way that contributes to supporting and strengthening security and stability,” according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Jeddah on Friday, with other officials attending. (SPA)

Prime Minister Khan praised the leadership role of King Salman in promoting Islamic unity, and “the positive role of the Kingdom in resolving the issues facing the Islamic nation and its endeavors for regional and international peace and security,” SPA said.

It added that officials from both countries signed two agreements addressing the treatment of criminals, and crime.

They also agreed two memorandums of understanding around combating drug trafficking; as well as financing energy, infrastructure, transportation, water and communications projects.

Both countries also agreed to establish a higher coordination council.

SPA also reported that the two sides “discussed ways to strengthen and enhance economic and trade relations,” and “exploring areas of investment and opportunities available in light of the Kingdom’s vision 2030, and the development priorities in Pakistan.”

“The two sides stressed the need for concerted efforts by the Islamic world to confront extremism and violence and reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security, and stressed the importance of continuing joint efforts to combat the phenomenon of terrorism that is not related to any religion, race or color, and to confront all its forms and images, regardless of its source.”

They also affirmed their full support for all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and their support for political solutions in Syria and Libya.

The two sides stressed the importance of reaching a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis. They expressed concern over the ballistic missiles and drone attacks by Houthi militias on Saudi Arabia, threatening to the security of oil exports and the stability of energy supplies to the world.

In meetings with Saudi leadership over the coming days, Khan will cover all areas of bilateral cooperation including economics, trade, investment, environment, energy, job opportunities for the Pakistani workforce, and the welfare of the Pakistani diaspora in the kingdom, the Pakistani foreign office said.

The Pakistani leader will also meet the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, the Secretary General of the World Muslim League, Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, and the Imams of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Medina.

Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, a Pakistani foreign office spokesman, told Arab News that the two sides are also expected to sign agreements on energy and infrastructure-related projects.

Energy, mutual trade growth and the welfare of overseas Pakistanis will top the diplomatic agenda on Khan’s visit.

Ahead of Khan’s arrival, the Pakistan Cabinet approved the establishment of a Supreme Coordination Council that will “remove hurdles” to $20 billion of investment deals signed during the crown prince’s visit to Pakistan in February 2019.

Khan will also meet with the Pakistani community in Jeddah during his stay there.

The Kingdom remains the largest source of overseas remittances to Pakistan, with Pakistani workers sending home $6.6 billion in the last fiscal year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia has long been an important trade destination for Pakistan, and both countries are looking to boost imports and exports. Total trade volume stands at $3.6 billion, with imports from Saudi Arabia worth $3.2 billion and exports to the Kingdom worth $316.3 million, according to the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Islamabad, May 7: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday left for Saudi Arabia for a three-day visit to discuss bilateral relations between the countries.

According to Dawn, it is expected that Khan’s visit will serve to improve “strained” relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia that were shaken in the recent past due to several reasons.

The Prime Minister Office said, “Imran Khan, is visiting Saudi Arabia on the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who struck a conciliatory tone towards the kingdom’s arch-nemesis Iran last week, saying he sought good relations after the rivals held secret talks in Baghdad. Iran welcomed Saudi Arabia’s change of tone.”

Prime Minister Khan is accompanied by a delegation, including the foreign minister and other members of his cabinet.

The Prime Minister’s consultations with the Saudi leadership will cover all areas of bilateral cooperation, including economics, trade, investment, energy, job opportunities for the Pakistani workforce, and welfare of the Pakistani diaspora in the kingdom. The two sides will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, reported Dawn.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will also meet the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Yousef Al-Othaimeen, Secretary-General of the World Muslim League Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and the Imams of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina. Khan will also interact with members of the Pakistani diaspora in Jeddah. He will also raise the issue of Islamophobia in the West, including a recent resolution of the European Parliament that called for the withdrawal of GSP plus status of Pakistan.

The PMO’s press release further said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had long-standing and historic fraternal relations, rooted deep in common faith, shared history, and mutual support. “The people of Pakistan hold the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the highest esteem. The relationship is marked by close cooperation in all fields and mutual collaboration on regional and international issues, in particular those faced by the Muslim Ummah. Saudi Arabia is a member of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir,” it added as per the Dawn.

According to a Pakistani local media report, “Pakistani-Saudi relations have been complex all along but since 2015, when the Pakistani parliament restricted the military from participating in the war in Yemen, its relations with Saudi Arabia have soured. Military conflict in Yemen is said to be one of the reasons behind strained relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.”

Last year Pakistan had expected Riyadh to support it in dealing with India over the Kashmir issue. In particular, Pakistan had sought a supportive meeting with the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC. After Saudi Arabia turned down the request, Pakistan repeated its demand, which in turn resulted in Riyadh calling for repayment of a 1 billion USD loan. Consequently, Pakistan repaid the loan while using the amount obtained under a new loan this time from China.—(ANI)