The month of Ramazan will commence Tuesday, said central Ruet-i-Hilal Chairman Mufti Muneebur Rehman in a press conference on Monday evening.

The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting was held at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) building in Karachi.

Talking to media, Mufti Muneebur Rehman said that moon was sighted in most of the areas of the country and the faithful shall start observing fasts from Tuesday.

He thanked Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai of Peshawar’s Masjid Qasim Ali Khan for his 'co-operation' in starting Ramazan on the same day, adding that he will appreciate all efforts for unity in the country.

This year's Ramazan marks the some of the longest days of fasting in recent years, with over 15-hour-long fasts.

Ramazan begin Monday in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Singapore, Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait, Jordan, Afghanistan and the Palestinian territories.

Muslims throughout the world prepare to celebrate the holy fasting month of Ramazan, when they refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking from dawn to dusk.

Religious activities usually increase during this month and households stock up on essentials for staples and avoid the heat and crowds during fasting hours.