Is the Ruet-e-Hilal committee obsolete? It is almost as if the functioning of the Ruet-e-Hilal committee has now morphed into a battle of egos between over-aged, obsolete clerics, vying to secure their perks and facilities, rather than a group which is committed towards carrying out its duties in the most efficient manner possible. In Pakistan, the moon sighting often sparks controversy when the announcement made by the Ruet-e-Hilal committee is at odds with the declaration issued by certain clerics in other parts of the country. Chaudhry insisted that,“Now the committee should tender an apology (to the nation) for the misstatement (on the moon sighting).”Now, before one discusses the efficacy of the Ruet-e-Hilal committee, it is important to make one’s objective clear. Since that has been addressed, the next question which arises is whether or not the Ruet-e-Hilal committee is still relevant.

Source: The Express Tribune October 15, 2019 13:41 UTC