Latest news with #Zilhajj
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Ministry advises 'strict adherence' to Saudi laws
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (MoRA) on Monday advised Pakistani pilgrims to comply fully with Saudi regulations, particularly during Mashair days in Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifa and Jamarah. Issuing an advisory ahead of Hajj starting from 8th Zilhajj (June 4 – Wednesday), Secretary Religious Affairs Dr Syed Ataur Rehman emphasized the importance of following the instructions of Saudi authorities without argument. He cautioned Pakistani pilgrims that violating Saudi laws and engaging in prohibited activities could bring a bad name for the country, and stressed that individuals would be responsible for their own actions.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Railways to run five special trains for Eidul Azha
Listen to article On the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Railways has decided to run five special trains on the occasion of Eidul Azha. Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has approved the schedule for these special trains, which will run across major cities. According to PR spokesperson, the first Eid special train will depart from Karachi for Lahore on June 2 at 1:00pm. The second train will operate from Quetta to Peshawar on June 3 at 10:00am. On the same day, a third special train will depart from Lahore for Karachi at 5:00pm. Later that evening, a fourth train will set off from Karachi for Rawalpindi at 8:00pm, while the fifth and final Eid special train would depart from Karachi Cantt on June 4 at 5:30pm. "The purpose of these special trains is to ensure that passengers can enjoy a safe, comfortable, and quality journey during Eid," the spokesperson said. 'Pakistan Railways' top priority is to help people reunite with their loved ones during the festive season,' the official added. Eidul Azha likely on June 7 Eidul Azha is expected to be observed in Pakistan on June 7, as astronomical calculations indicate no chance of sighting the Zilhajj moon on May 27. 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. Read more: Eidul Azha likely to be celebrated on June 7 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.
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Eidul Adha likely to be celebrated on June 7
Listen to article Eidul Adha is expected to be observed in Pakistan on June 7, as astronomical calculations indicate no chance of sighting the Zilhajj moon on May 27. Renowned astronomer Dr Faheem Hashmi stated that the moon will be only 11 hours old at sunset on May 27, making it too young to be visible from anywhere in Pakistan. However, he predicted that the crescent is likely to be seen on May 28, which would mark the first day of Zilhajj and set June 7 as the likely date for Eidul Adha. 'The moon will be over 35 hours old on May 28, significantly increasing the chances of sighting,' Dr Hashmi added. Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Eidul Adha is expected on June 6, according to the Emirates Astronomy Society. Its chairman, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, said the crescent will appear at 7:02 am UAE time on May 27 and will remain visible for approximately 38 minutes after sunset, supporting a likely sighting on the same evening. According to Gulf News, if the moon is sighted on May 27 in the UAE, May 28 will mark the beginning of Zilhajj, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Express Tribune
11-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Eid cattle markets in limbo amid uncertainty
With just two weeks left until the Islamic month of Zilhajj, preparations for sacrificial cattle markets in Rawalpindi district remain stalled. None of the 12 officially designated markets has begun operations. Amid ongoing India-Pakistan military tensions, informal cattle sellers who typically roam neighbourhoods have also disappeared from the scene. Contract holders for the livestock markets warn that if the current situation continues for another week, the markets may remain deserted, driving up prices of sacrificial animals significantly. In areas such as Bhatha Chowk, Adiala Road, Chakri, Rawat, the High Court rear area, Ghazni Road, and Channi Pul across all six tehsils, no enclosures or infrastructure for animals have yet been set up. Contractors who secured expensive tenders for these markets now fear massive financial losses, potentially running into millions. According to contractors, no traders have come forward to book stalls or animal enclosures. Traders usually arrive from cities including Sargodha, Bhakkar, Sialkot, Jhang, Multan, Faisalabad, Azad Kashmir, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, and Mardan - but none have appeared this year. Ahmed Noor Khan, a trader who annually brings livestock from Attock and Fateh Jang to Bhatha Chowk market, said he currently has 100 small and 66 large animals ready but is holding back due to the unstable security situation. "Transporting animals in such conditions is risky. If things don't improve within a week, it will be very difficult and prices will rise," he said. Trader Saeen Majeed echoed the uncertainty, saying they are monitoring the situation before proceeding. Meanwhile, trader Faisal Abbasi said they have shifted to online sales due to the current circumstances. "We have uploaded videos of the animals on social media. Customers can choose an animal, request a detailed video, and even inspect it in person before booking through Easypaisa or JazzCash," he explained. With Pakistan and India agreeing to a full and immediate ceasefire, traders may begin their trade activities.
