Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has confirmed that uniform prayer times will be implemented in Islamabad and Rawalpindi starting January 1.The initiative aims to standardize the timing of Azan and congregational prayers across the twin cities. Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that around 80 percent of the preparations were completed during his previous tenure as minister.

“A unified calendar has been prepared after nearly six months of work,” he added.The new schedule will ensure that prayers are observed simultaneously in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi, creating a synchronized religious timetable for residents.The minister highlighted that he is in regular contact with Islamic scholars from Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. “Scholars will prepare city-specific calendars in consultation with our office to ensure accuracy,” Sardar Yousaf said.

After the successful rollout in the twin cities, uniform prayer times are expected to be implemented nationwide in 2026.The initiative reflects the government’s effort to harmonize religious practices and provide a consistent timetable for the observance of daily prayers. Sardar Yousaf emphasized that once completed across Pakistan, this step will ensure that worshippers in different regions follow the same schedule for congregational prayers and Azan.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)