Pakistan
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Operation Bunyan Marsoos is Pakistan’s military retaliation to Indian strikes on airbases, targeting BrahMos facilities, Pathankot, and Udhampur—here’s what you need to know. 1. Background and Rationale Trigger Events: In early May 2025, India conducted missile strikes and drone incursions against multiple Pakistani airbases. Name Meaning: “Bunyan Marsoos” is derived from Arabic, meaning a “solid structure,” symbolizing Pakistan’s unity and resolve. Purpose: To retaliate against Indian attacks, degrade key Indian military assets, and reinforce deterrence. 2. Primary Targets BrahMos Missile Storage Facility (Beas): Site housing India’s supersonic cruise missiles. Struck to limit India’s long-range strike capacity. Airbases at Udhampur and Pathankot: Critical hubs for Indian air operations in the region. Attacks aimed to reduce aerial threat and send a strategic message. 3. Reported Outcomes Pakistani Claims: Heavy damage to Indian infrastructure. High morale boost, with state media and military channels declaring a successful operation. Indian Response: Accusations of Pakistani aggression. Counter-strikes reported, though details on impact remain provisional. Independent Verification: Limited official statements from either side. International analysts caution that full confirmation of damage and losses will take time. 4. Tension and Escalation Regional Risk: Both nations possess nuclear weapons and have a long history of border conflicts. Diplomatic Concerns:…
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The Islamic calendar, which marks the beginning of Ramadan and both Eid celebrations, has traditionally been based on the sighting of the crescent moon. However, discrepancies in moon sighting practices between countries—particularly between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia—highlight differences in methodology, timing, and geographical factors. This article provides a detailed analysis of the scientific principles, traditional practices, and the resulting differences in moon sighting outcomes. Table of Contents1. The Birth of the Crescent and Optimal Sighting Times2. Geographical and Time Zone Differences3. Traditional Observation Versus Scientific Calculation4. The Scenario for Eid al-Fitr 20255. Conclusion 1. The Birth of the Crescent and Optimal Sighting Times When the new crescent is born, it appears extremely delicate and thin. This fragility restricts its visibility to limited time windows: Evening: Shortly after the Maghrib prayer. Morning: Following the Fajr prayer. Scientific research suggests that for the crescent to be clearly visible, it must be at least 17 hours old. If the crescent is not visible during its early stages (for instance, when it is between 15-17 hours old), by the following day its increased age may render it more apparent. Thus, determining the crescent’s age is a crucial factor in validating the start of the…
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Table of ContentsIntroductionAstronomical New Moon vs. Visible CrescentVisibility Conditions in PakistanExpected Timeline for the Ramadan CrescentFactors Affecting Crescent SightingConclusion Introduction The sighting of the Ramadan crescent holds deep significance for millions of Muslims around the world. In Pakistan, the process is guided not only by religious tradition but also by astronomical calculations. For Ramadan 2025, the astronomical new moon is scheduled for 28 February 2025, 05:44 in Karachi. However, the journey from a nearly dark Moon to a visible crescent involves several important factors. Each religious month, debates about moon sighting issues ignite discussions among communities. In Pakistan, these debates are further complicated by the fact that some areas follow the Saudi Arabian sighting rules, while others rely on local observations. This divergence often stems from a lack of widespread knowledge about the astronomical basis behind moon phases and limited public access to reliable astronomical data. Consequently, misunderstandings and varying interpretations of the moon’s visibility rules fuel ongoing controversies. This article examines these critical factors in detail and discusses when the Moon of Ramadan 2025 might be observed in Pakistan, considering both the scientific calculations and the traditional practices that influence these debates. Astronomical New Moon vs. Visible Crescent At…
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