Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has announced that uniform prayer times will officially begin across Islamabad and Rawalpindi starting January 1. The initiative aims to standardize the timing of Azan and congregational prayers in both cities, providing a synchronized religious schedule for worshippers.
Unified Calendar Completed After Months of Work
The minister stated that nearly 80% of the groundwork for the project had already been completed during his previous tenure. He added that a unified prayer calendar was finalized after almost six months of coordination and detailed planning.
Under the new arrangement, mosques across the twin cities will follow the same prayer timetable, ensuring that Azan and congregational prayers occur simultaneously. The move is expected to enhance coordination among local mosques and bring greater uniformity to religious practices in the federal region.
Nationwide Rollout Expected in 2026
Sardar Yousaf also highlighted ongoing consultations with Islamic scholars from Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. These scholars will help prepare city-specific prayer calendars in coordination with the ministry to ensure accuracy in each region.
Following the initial implementation in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the government plans to introduce uniform prayer times nationwide by 2026. The minister emphasized that this step will harmonize religious observance across the country, allowing worshippers in all regions to follow a consistent schedule for daily prayers and Azan.
The initiative marks a significant move toward standardizing religious practices and ensuring organizational unity within Pakistan’s Islamic institutions.
