ISLAMABAD: The country will observe Eidul Azha on July 31 (Friday), as per Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry.
The Minister said in a tweet on Monday the Zilhaj moon would be visible over Karachi and close by areas on July 21. “The Ruet application may likewise be utilized to determine the specific area of the moon,” Fawad Chaudhry tweeted.
Around three weeks back, the Minister had once more set off a debate over moon locating by recommending a week before Eidul Fitr that the Shawwal moon would be located on May 24, inferring that the crescent would not be noticeable on the 29th of Ramazan, which compared to May 23.
But soon after Iftar on the 29th, he asserted that the Eid moon had been located. He had made the case hours before the declaration by the Ruet-I-Hilal board.
Fawad Chaudhry has been reproachful of past governments for “always trying to please religious parties and groups”.
In an outburst coordinated at ministers, he said at a news preparation just before Eid: “The state should be above controversies and sectarian issues. The state does not favour groups. It runs its affairs according to the law and constitution of the country.”
He said strict components had become so solid that they “attempt to force their will” in issues of the state.
“In various matters, including the issue of moon-sighting, the will of religious elements prevails instead of logic, law and science and technology,” he said.
Pakistan observed Eidul Fitr with the remainder of the Muslim world on May 24, an exceptional event.
Fawad Chaudhry said the administration had set up a board of specialists to settle the contention encompassing locating of the Eid moon.
“Islam is a forward-looking religion and urges its adherents to get information, receive innovation and apply rationale. We excuse opposite suppositions that debilitate receiving science for progress,” he stressed.
In any case, the priest’s “impedance” in the moon-locating business irritated Mufti Muneebur Rehman, the Ruet-I-Hilal advisory group administrator, just as its individuals.
The Ruet-I-Hilal panel, in an announcement on Chand Raat (night before Eid), called upon the head administrator to leave the moon-locating issue for the council to choose as it had been doing this commitment throughout recent years.
