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Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting underway for Zilhaj moon sighting
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting is underway in Islamabad to observe the moon of Zil Hajj . Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad is presiding over the meeting, while members of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, along with representatives from SUPARCO and the Meteorological Department, are also present to provide assistance. In addition to the central meeting, zonal committee meetings are taking place in cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, and other regions. After receiving moon sighting testimonies from these areas, they will be forwarded to the central committee. The final decision regarding the date will depend on the moon sighting. However, the Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will announce the official date for Eidul Adha after confirming the moon's visibility in Pakistan. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department and SUPARCO, the moon's age this evening will be only 11 hours, which, according to astronomical guidelines, is insufficient for the moon's visibility. SUPARCO has predicted that the 1st of Zil Hajj is likely to fall on May 29, and if these calculations hold, Eidul Adha in Pakistan could be celebrated on Saturday, June 7.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Ruet-e-Hilal committee to meet for Zil Hajj moon sighting tomorrow
Listen to article The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene in Islamabad on Tuesday to observe the Zil Hajj moon 1446 Hijri. Ruet body Chairman Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad will chair the meeting. In addition, Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committees will hold separate meetings in their respective regions to sight the moon and finalise the Eidul Azha date. On the other hand, according to astronomical data, the new moon of Zil Hajj 1446 AH was born on May 27, 2025, at 08:02 PST. At the time of sunset on May 27, 2025 (29th Ziqad 1446 AH), the age of the new moon was approximately 11 hours and 34 minutes. According to SUPARCO, along the coastal areas of the country, the time duration between sunset and moonset was around 37 minutes. The sighting of the new moon was not possible, even with the help of a telescope, under perfect weather conditions. As a result, the 1st of Zil Hajj was expected to fall on May 29, and consequently, Eidul Azha was likely to be celebrated on June 7.
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Eidul Azha likely on June 7
The new moon of Zil Hajj 1446 AH will be born on May 27, 2025, at 08:02 PST, according to astronomical data. At the time of sunset on May 27, 2025 (29th Ziqad 1446 AH), the age of the new moon will be approximately 11 hours and 34 minutes. According to the SUPARCO, along the coastal areas of the country, the time duration between sunset and moonset will be around 37 minutes. The sighting of the new moon will not be possible even with the help of a telescope, under perfect weather conditions. As a result, the 1st of Zil Hajj is expected to fall on May 29 and consequently, Eidul Azha is likely to be celebrated on June 7.
India.com
03-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Abdali's Shadow: India's Call to Crush Terror at Its Core
(File) On April 22, 2025, a horrifying terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 civilians. As India mourned its dead, Pakistan added insult to injury. Just days later, it announced the successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a short-range surface-to-surface missile. The test, conducted as part of Exercise INDUS, was reportedly to check the missile's readiness and accuracy. But the timing—right after the Pahalgam massacre—raises serious concerns. Was this really a routine drill, or a loud message to India? What Is the Abdali Missile? The Abdali (Hatf-II) is a road-mobile, solid-fuelled ballistic missile developed by Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).It is designed for battlefield use, capable of carrying high-explosive warheads or submunitions, and is launched from a Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL)—making it quick to deploy and hard to detect. Pakistan claims its range is 450 km, but many defence analysts estimate it to be between 180–200 km. Its reported Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 150 metres suggests relatively accurate targeting for short-range missions. Key Specifications of the Abdali Missile Range : 180–200 km (despite Pakistan's claim of 450 km) : 180–200 km (despite Pakistan's claim of 450 km) Propulsion : Solid-fuel, single-stage : Solid-fuel, single-stage Payload : High-explosive or submunitions : High-explosive or submunitions Launch Platform : Road-mobile TEL : Road-mobile TEL Guidance : Inertial navigation system : Inertial navigation system Target Use : Tactical strikes on military bases, airfields, industries, and power plants : Tactical strikes on military bases, airfields, industries, and power plants Destructive Power: Limited, meant for battlefield (tactical) use, not strategic deterrence Pakistan's Intent: A Show of Strength? The missile test, coming so soon after the Pahalgam attack, was not in isolation. It was part of Exercise INDUS, a major aerial drill held at Sargodha, this military exercise is meant to test Pakistan's combat readiness, especially in air and missile warfare. This timing cannot be ignored. Pakistan appears to be flexing its military muscle, signalling that it is not afraid of consequences—even when accused of supporting cross-border terrorism. But India cannot afford to respond only with words or warnings. India Must Shift from Reactive to Proactive India has strong defences—S-400 missiles, Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) systems like PAD and AAD, and powerful deterrents like Agni and BrahMos missiles. But defence alone is not enough. It's time for a multi-layered strategy that includes intelligence-driven strikes, economic retaliation, and global diplomacy. 1. Strike at the Source of Terror India must improve intelligence to locate terror camps and their handlers across the border. Covert operations or surgical strikes—like the Balakot operation—can send a strong message without sparking full-scale war. Exercises like Aakraman, which include Rafale fighters, prove that India's forces are ready. 2. Hit Where It Hurts: Economy and Image India has already taken steps—suspending visas for Pakistani citizens, cutting High Commission staff, and closing the Attari land border. These diplomatic moves must be followed by efforts to build international pressure. By exposing Pakistan's terror links at global forums like the United Nations, India can push for sanctions that choke terror financing. 3. Partner With Like-Minded Nations Countries like the United States, Israel, and France face similar terror threats. India must strengthen ties through joint counter-terror exercises like Yudh Abhyas (with the US) and Indra (with Russia). Sharing intelligence and strategy enhances India's readiness and credibility. 4. Secure the Homeland Our internal systems must stay alert. Better border fencing, drone surveillance, stronger local policing, and quicker data-sharing between agencies can stop attacks before they happen. Exercises like Vajra Prahar train Indian forces for swift special operations and response missions. Conclusion: Let the World Watch, but India Must Lead The launch of Abdali and the show of strength through Exercise INDUS are part of Pakistan's broader game—to provoke, distract, and deny. But India should not be baited into rash moves. Instead, we must adopt a smart, tough, and sustained response. Terrorism is not just about the gunman who pulls the trigger. It is about the system that trains, funds, shelters, and rewards him. That system must be dismantled—piece by piece, strike by strike, word by word. India must make it costly for Pakistan to continue this path. With a strong defence industry, credible deterrence, and clear political will, we must lead the fight—not just to defend our soil, but to end the threat at its root. ( The author, Girish Linganna, is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@ )
NDTV
03-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
All About Pakistan's Abdali Weapon System Tested Amid Tensions With India
Amid increasing hostility between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, Islamabad claimed it had successfully tested a ballistic missile. The test of the Abdali Weapon System was conducted on May 3 as part of a military drill titled Exercise INDUS. The move has further escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours. What is the Abdali Weapon System? On May 3, Pakistan announced it had successfully carried out a training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a claimed range of 450 kilometres. The launch was reportedly part of Exercise INDUS. The missile, also known as Hatf-II, has been developed by Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). The missile is an upgraded version of Hatf 1, a short-range, solid-fueled ballistic missile. The Hatf 2 variant has been in service since 2005. According to Missile Threat, an open-source platform, Abdaliis "carried on a road mobile transporter. The use of solid propellant and the vehicle makes the missile easy to store, transport and fire." It can carry High Explosives (HE), submunitions and conventional warheads, with a single payload weighing between 250 and 450 kg. It is classified as a short-range ballistic missile. What was the objective behind this missile test? As per the Pakistani government, the primary aim of the test was to validate the Abdali system's technical aspects and ensure the missile unit's combat readiness. Specific parameters under evaluation included the system's advanced navigation capabilities and enhanced manoeuvrability, both of which are critical for dynamic battlefield scenarios. The test was intended as a training exercise to confirm the military's ability to deploy the weapon system effectively under operational conditions. What happened in the Pahalgam attack? In the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 26 civilians were killed, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony guide. A terrorist group with alleged links to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) later claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident has been widely condemned and has reignited global concerns about cross-border terrorism in the region. How has India responded to the attack and Pakistan's actions since? India has responded firmly to escalating tensions with Pakistan by scrapping the Indus Waters Treaty, revoking all Pakistani visas, expelling its nationals, halting imports, banning Pakistani ships and downgrading diplomatic ties. What claims has Pakistan made in response? According to various reports, Pakistan's Information Minister Ataullah Tara alleged that India was planning a military strike within 36 hours. Since making the claim, over 72 hours have passed with no such event occurring. What lies ahead? With relations at a new low, both sides remain on high alert. Pakistan's show of military capability through the Abdali Weapon System is being watched closely, especially given the timing and political messaging behind it.
