Pakistan Ruet e Hilal Bill Passed; Declares 3-Year Jail For False Moon Sighting

Newstoday: In order to lessen the disputes caused by moon sightings, National Assembly approved the Bill of Ruet e Hilal Bill 2022. The bill highlights that private bodies and committees are banned from moon sightings. The proposed bill seeks to revamp the current moon sighting body and implement penalties for any premature announcements about moon sightings. It entails forming a 15-member Federal Ruet e Hilal Committee, which will comprise two ulemas (religious scholars) from each of the four provinces, one representative each from Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, along with representatives from the ministries of science and technology and religious affairs, and the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco). Accomplished Grade 20 officers will also be part of this prestigious committee.

The proposed bill aims to improve the current moon sighting body and penalize any premature announcements about moon sightings. It proposes the formation of a 15-member Federal Ruet e Hilal Committee composed of two religious scholars from each of the four provinces, one representative each from Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, and representatives from the ministries of science and technology and religious affairs, as well as the (Suparco). The committee members must hold a master’s degree in Islamiat, have 15 years of relevant experience, and have a Shahadatul Almiya degree approved by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The bill prohibits unofficial committees from operating, imposes a three-year term for the federal committee, and sets strict penalties for violations. The committee chairperson will be selected on a rotational basis from the provinces and the federation, and they will be responsible for making decisions regarding moon sightings. Anyone found guilty of violating the Act will be subject to a fine of Rs500,000, and individuals who fabricate evidence of moon sightings will face imprisonment for three years and a fine of Rs50,000. The bill also holds the power that TV channels are accountable for their action and violating any rules and regulations.