ISLAMABAD (DNA) – Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry on Monday took to Twitter, and stated that the next challenge [after introducing moonsighting website and Hijri Calendar] is to replace debit cards in the country with a mobile phone payment system.

“For advancement, it is essential that payments are made easier. Inshallah in the next few months, you [people] will be able to make all payments, from your bus ticket to purchasing a new car, using your mobiles,” Chaudhry stated.

On Sunday, Chaudhry launched Pakistan’s first official Moon-sighting website and Hijri Calendar, and subsequently announced that based on the lunar observations, Eidul Fitr will be celebrated on June 5, 2019, and Eidul Azha on August 12 this year.

The minister, while addressing a press conference at Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), outlined the significance of technology, and had said that he has sent the five-year Hijri Calendar to the Islamic Ideology Council, adding that the calendar will be presented before the cabinet on Wednesday.

“In my opinion, the Ruet-Hilal Committee is no longer required [for moon-sighting] in the country,” he had said.

Fawad Chaudhry further had mentioned that a number of departments have collaborated, with experts critically involved in the matter, for developing the moonsighting website and calendar from 2019 to 2024.

“The application was prepared with feedback from experts of the Meteorological Department and Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco),” he said, adding that the application would be available from Monday on the Google play store.

“Through this application, moon’s existence over eight strategic locations would be mapped.” He had also declared that the month of August would be considered as the month of Science and Technology.