ISLAMABAD, MAR 30: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee on Tuesday announced that Eid ul Fitr would fall on Monday (March 31) as the Shawwal moon was sighted in Pakistan.

The announcement came after a meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in Islamabad, while meetings of zonal and district Ruet-e-Hilal committees were held at their respective headquarters concurrently.

The meeting was chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, and attended by the members of the Ruet-e-Hilal Commit­tee, as well as officials from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Suparco, and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Maulana Azad said testimonies of moon sightings were received from majority of the country, hence, Eid would be celebrated tomorrow.

He said the sky was generally clear in most regions, enabling the moon to be easily sighted. He confirmed receiving credible moon-sighting testimonies from multiple locations, including Lahore, Bahawalpur, Islamabad, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and other areas.

After thorough verification and consensus, Maulana Azad said the committee has declared that the first of Shawwal-ul-Mukarram.

The announcement was met with joy and celebration across the country as Muslims prepare to observe the festival, which marks the culmination of a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.

Muslims celebrate Eid ul Fitr after the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.

Saudi Arabia, UAE celebrating Eid today

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and several other countries are celebrating Eid ul Fitr today, according to Arab media reports.

An official statement from the Saudi Royal Court confirmed that today, Saturday, is the last day of Ramadan, and today will be celebrated as Eidul Ftir across the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, the UAE also made the same announcement.

Similarly, other Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, and Iran, have also announced sighting of the Shawwal moon and will celebrate Eid today.

Countries where moon not sighted
Meanwhile, several countries officially announced that Eid ul Fitr will fall on Monday, March 31, 2025, as the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Saturday evening.

Oman has officially announced that the Shawwal moon was not sighted, and Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on Monday, March 31.

Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Australia confirmed the Eid date based on astronomical data and local moon sighting efforts.

In Bangladesh, the National Moon Sighting Committee stated that the crescent moon was not sighted, making Sunday the 30th day of Ramadan.

Indonesia also declared Monday as the first day of Eid after failing to observe the Shawwal crescent.

In India, where Muslims have completed 28 days of fasting, the Shawwal moon is expected to be sighted today. If confirmed, Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on Monday.

Malaysia’s International Astronomy Centre (IAC) confirmed that the crescent will be visible to the naked eye today. Hence, the country will celebrate Eid on Monday.

Brunei followed suit, with the IAC also confirming that the moon will be visible there today.

The Australian Fatwa Council declared Eid ul Fitr on March 31 as well, noting that the Shawwal moon will be born after sunset on Saturday in both eastern and western parts of the country.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 30 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation today with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to the President, his family, and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan, while praying for their continued peace and prosperity.

The two leaders reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the two countries. Building upon the Prime Minister’s visit to Baku last month, the two leaders agreed that the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan would visit Islamabad in the first week of April to hold discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and also pay a courtesy call on the Prime Minister. This visit would ensure finalization of the key investment agreements between both sides thus setting the stage for President Ilham Aliyev’s expected visit to Islamabad in the month of April.

The Prime Minister said that the upcoming visit of President Ilham Aliyev would be a landmark in Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations as both sides would be signing mutually beneficial investment agreements to the tune of USD 2 billion, thus marking a new chapter in the strategic partnership between the two countries.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 30 /DNA/ – The Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) started constructing a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant near the central part of the city, Gwadar Pro reported.

The project was undertaken amid a steady increase in business activities and local population growth under the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan 2025.

With the capacity to treat 400,000 gallons of sewage and contaminated water, the wastewater treatment plant is a major environmental and infrastructure project. 

It will make wastewater reusable for agricultural purposes, gardening, parks, grounds, and other green spaces in the city.

A GDA official told Gwadar Pro that the wastewater treatment plant will collect and treat wastewater from various sources before discharging it into water bodies. 

The facility plays a crucial role in removing pollutants and contaminants to protect the environment.

According to a senior hydrologist Abdul Ghani,  without adequate treatment, waste or sewage can leach into the environment and contaminate ecosystems. 

“Wastewater treatment is an intricate and vital process consisting of multiple stages, each performing specific functions to ensure the effective removal of contaminants. 

From the initial screening of large solids to advanced processes that remove microscopic pollutants, each stage is a critical component in protecting human health and preserving the environment,” he explained.

On March 27, the Director General of the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA), Saifullah Khetran, visited the wastewater treatment plant under construction and conducted a detailed review of the ongoing work. On this occasion, Chief Engineer Haji Syed Muhammad and Project Director Mirjan Baloch provided him with a comprehensive briefing on the progress and technical aspects of the project.

Earlier, another plant with a capacity of 400,000 gallons had already been installed near Senator Ishaq Cricket Ground. This facility collects wastewater from different areas of the city through a sewer line and treats it using modern systems.

During his visit, Khetran also reviewed the pace of construction work and directed the relevant authorities to accelerate the project’s completion ahead of the stipulated timeline. 

Last year, the sewage treatment plant at Gwadar Port Complex was inaugurated by Shams Ul Haq Kalmati, then President of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), and Pasand Khan Bulidi, Chairman of the Gwadar Port Authority.

Meanwhile, Balochistan environmentalist Muhammad Rahim Baloch, in an interview with Gwadar Pro, emphasized that reclaiming water for reuse instead of relying on freshwater supplies is a key water-saving measure. 

“When treated water is discharged back into natural water sources, it benefits ecosystems by improving streamflow, nourishing plant life, and recharging aquifers as part of the natural water cycle. 

Wastewater reuse is a long-established practice, particularly for irrigation in arid countries. Incorporating wastewater reuse into sustainable water management allows it to serve as an alternative water source for human activities, reducing water scarcity and alleviating pressure on groundwater and other natural water bodies. 

Another potential benefit is the nutrient content in wastewater, which may reduce the need for additional fertilizers,” he added.

RAWALPINDI, MAR 29: /DNA/ – Security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in Kalat District of Balochistan, on reported presence of terrorists.

During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the terrorists location and after an intense fire exchange, six terrorists were successfully neutralized.

The killed terrorists remained actively involved in recent terrorist activities in the area against the law enforcement agencies as well as the innocent civilians.

Sanitization operation is being conducted in the area to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 29 /DNA/ – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs marked a significant step toward enhancing Pakistan’s economic engagement with Africa by formally announcing the establishment of the Pakistan-African Economic Council (PAEC) during a high-profile iftar dinner hosted by Additional Secretary (Africa) Hamid Asghar Khan on Friday.

The event brought together key diplomats, including Dean of the African Group and Ambassador of Morocco Mohammad Karmoune, the Ambassador of Somalia, and prominent Pakistani business leaders such as Zafar Bakhtawari and Ch. Tanvir, alongside members of the newly formed council.

In his remarks, Additional Secretary Hamid Asghar Khan emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to deepening economic collaboration with African nations. “The Pak-Africa Economic Council will serve as a vital platform to boost trade, investment, and business partnerships between Pakistan and African countries,” he stated.

The council aims to facilitate bilateral trade, joint ventures, and knowledge exchange while addressing market access challenges for Pakistani exporters. The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader foreign policy objective of expanding economic diplomacy in Africa.

The Dean of the African Group, Ambassador Karmoune, welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism about stronger economic ties. “Africa offers immense opportunities, and this council will help bridge businesses and foster mutual growth,” he remarked.

The iftar dinner provided an opportunity for networking and discussions on priority sectors, including agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure development.

The Pakistan-African Economic Council (PAEC) is expected to hold its inaugural meeting in the coming weeks to outline its strategic roadmap.

QUETTA, MAR 29: Over 100 prominent academics and civil society leaders have written an open letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif seeking the release of incarcerated Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders Dr Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch and others.

Last Friday, the police used tear gas and water cannons and fired blank shots to disperse BYC protesters, who had staged a sit-in on the Sariab Road near the University of Balochistan, against alleged enforced disappearances, including its leader Bebarg Baloch. The provincial government and the BYC had reported casualties on their respective sides as a result of each other’s actions.

The situation further escalated when BYC chief organiser Mahrang was arrested in the early hours of Saturday and was booked under terror charges along with 150 others. Responding to BYC’s call, shutter-down strikes were staged over the weekend in various cities of Balochistan — including Quetta, Panjgur, Kalat, Turbat, Mastung, Kharan, Chaghi, Dalbandin and Dhadar.

Police also detained BYC leader Sammi under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance in Karachi on Tuesday, shortly after a judicial magistrate ordered her release, along with four other activists in a case related to the violation of Section 144.

“We, the undersigned citizens of Pakistan, urge you to take immediate action to release leader Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Baloch, and other detained leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) before Eid so they can spend it with their loved ones,” read the letter, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com.

“Their arrests are a blatant attempt to silence voices advocating for an end to enforced disappearances and for fundamental rights and justice for the people of Balochistan,” the letter continued.

The letter expressed alarm at the treatment of women activists at the hands of law enforcement agencies and denounces the deployment of “excessive force” against peaceful protesters.

The signatories are prominent educationists, politicians, journalists and human rights activists including senior journalist Hamid Mir, former senator Afrasiab Khattak, Human Rights Watch Senior Counsel Asia Division Saroop Ijaz and president of the human rights cell of PPP Farhatullah Babar.

The demands of the signatories include the immediate release of detained BYC leaders, an end to enforced disappearances, the initiation of a meaningful political dialogue with the Baloch people, and to investigate into the alleged police brutality against the activists by conducting an independent investigation.

The letter also condemned the “unconstitutional re-arrest of BYC leaders”, including women activists, adding that “the MPO is being abused in clear violation of due process to detain activists after courts have granted them bail”.

“The ongoing crackdown on peaceful protests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan have created a climate of fear and repression,” the letter read.

“The situation in Balochistan is dire, and denying a political dialogue will only deepen the crisis.”

The letter alleged that the actions of the government’s security agencies in Balochistan are raising serious concerns about human rights violations, adding that “by denying people the right to protest freely, the government is violating the UN’s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to freedom of assembly and association”.

Speaking to Dawn.com regarding the letter, journalist and one of the signatories Munizae Jahangir said, “We are writing this letter just before Eid as these women would like to spend time with their children. Some humanity has to prevail in this situation.

“We also believe that this crisis can escalate, and steps need to be taken to avert this possibility,” she said, adding that the state should be seen to be siding with marginalised communities.

“We appeal to the prime minister for sanity to prevail and since he is a political leader and not a military dictator, [he should] use the political good will that he has to initiate a dialogue not only with the provincial assembly members but the leaders outside the assembly as well like Akhtar Mengal and Dr Abdul Malik Baloch,” she concluded.

As Balochistan grapples with a relentless wave of deadly attacks on security forces and civilians, the provincial government on Friday indicated its readiness to work with the opposition to confront the spiraling violence and address the province’s mounting security challenges.

“Our doors are always open for dialogue in the interest of Balochistan, as the government is committed to resolving the issue through meaningful talks,” spokesman for the Balochistan government Shahid Rind said while speaking at a press conference alongside provincial ministers.

He said the chief minister is committed to resolving issues through dialogue and has extended an offer to the opposition to work together in addressing the province’s challenges. “The provincial government is in contact with opposition parties and their leaders in this regard,” he added.

On Thursday, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan in collaboration with the civil society, including human rights defenders, labour rights activists, political activists, the academia and lawyers, also demanded an unconditional release of Mahrang, Sammi and all those detained after the recent protests.

On the same day, international human rights organisation Amnesty International observed in a statement that the “relentless crackdown on Baloch activists over the last week and continued detention of several protesters — including Mahrang, Sammi, and Bebarg — signified a “systematic attack” on the rights of the Baloch community and should be stopped.

LAHORE, MAR 29 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman today, to convey his warm greetings and best wishes to the Sultan as well as the brotherly people of Oman on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Recalling the close fraternal relations between the two countries, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with the Sultanate of Oman across all spheres.

In this regard, the Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction on the recent successful visit of Pakistan’s Commerce Minister to Muscat, which would pave the way for the two sides to explore mutually beneficial avenues for cooperation. The Prime Minister also reiterated his invitation to the Sultan of Oman and requested him to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik warmly reciprocated the Prime Minister’s Eid greetings and conveyed his best wishes for the people of Pakistan.=DNA