Over the past 25 years, Pakistan’s government has spent around 2 billion rupees on moon sighting activities, according to research by We Investigate.
This money is used for the expenses of meetings, travel, and the salaries of government officials who are part of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. This committee, along with regional committees, is responsible for determining the sighting of the moon, especially during Ramadan and Eid.
Every year, the country watches closely as the committee announces the moon sighting decision. However, it often leads to disagreements. The controversy is mainly because some people rely on traditional methods of sighting the moon with the naked eye, while others believe in using scientific technology for a more accurate decision.
These disagreements sometimes result in different areas celebrating Eid on different days, creating confusion and frustration among the public. While the government supports the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to maintain a standard process, critics argue that relying more on modern technology could save money and ensure a unified decision.
Some people believe that this large sum of money could be used for other urgent needs in the country, like healthcare, education, or disaster relief. Others think that maintaining the traditional way of moon sighting preserves cultural and religious values.
As the debate continues, the government faces the challenge of balancing tradition with modern science. Whether the country will shift towards a more technology-driven approach or continue with its traditional practices remains a topic of discussion.
For now, the annual moon sighting remains a significant event in Pakistan, reflecting the country’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
