Today is the shortest day and the longest night of the year in Pakistan, as confirmed by the Meteorological Department. This marks the winter solstice, a phenomenon that typically occurs between December 20 and 24, with December 21 or 22 being the most common dates.
In Karachi, the sun rose at 7:12 AM and will set at 5:48 PM, giving the city just 10 hours and 36 minutes of daylight. Following this, Karachi will experience 13 hours and 25 minutes of darkness. In Islamabad, the day is even shorter, lasting only 9 hours and 55 minutes, while the night will stretch for a lengthy 14 hours and 5 minutes.
This annual occurrence is a result of the Earth’s tilt and orbit around the sun. During the winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest away from the sun, resulting in the least amount of daylight. The variation in dates over the years is due to leap year adjustments, which slightly affect the timing of the solstice.
The winter solstice is a significant astronomical event, marking the point where days begin to gradually lengthen as we move toward spring. While it signals the start of longer days, the colder months of winter are still ahead.
For many, the shortest day of the year is a reminder of the natural rhythms of the planet, highlighting how Earth’s movement affects daily life.
