Iftar Time Islamabad vs. Rawalpindi: The Commuter’s Guide
For the thousands of professionals who work in the Blue Area, Sectors F-6/F-7, or the Red Zone but reside across the IJP Road in Rawalpindi, the “Twin City commute” becomes a daily race against the sunset during Ramadan.
Understanding the precise minute your fast ends is not just a matter of convenience—it is about religious accuracy as you move through different geographical coordinates.
Why the 1-Minute Lag Exists
It is a common misconception that because Islamabad and Rawalpindi are adjacent, they share the same Iftar time. In reality, Rawalpindi typically experiences Iftar 1 minute later than Islamabad.
The Science of the Lag:
- Longitudinal Shift: Islamabad is located slightly further east (approx. $73.06^\circ E$) than Rawalpindi (approx. $73.04^\circ E$). Since the sun sets in the West, those further East see the sun dip below the horizon a few seconds earlier.
- Topographical Shadow: The Margalla Hills create a unique horizon line for Islamabad. As you move South toward the flatter Pothohar plateau of Rawalpindi (Saddar, Adyala, or Chaklala), the horizon profile shifts, extending the daylight by roughly 60 to 90 seconds.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Ramadan 2026 Schedule
This table highlights the “Twin City Gap” for the first 15 days of Ramadan 2026. Note how the Rawalpindi time consistently follows Islamabad.
| Roza | Date | Islamabad | Rawalpindi | Diff |
|---|
Commuter Strategy: Breaking Your Fast on the Go
If you find yourself stuck in the infamous Murree Road gridlock or waiting at the Faizabad Interchange as Maghrib approaches, follow these expert local tips:
- The Metro Bus Rule: If you are traveling on the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro, the timing changes as you cross Saddar toward IJP Station. If the Adhan sounds while you are in the Islamabad territory, you may technically break your fast, but most Pindi residents wait until they reach their home station for certainty.
- The “Khanna Pul” Junction: This is a major transition point. If you are heading toward Highway/Expressway, the open horizon means sunset is clearly visible. Trust your car’s GPS-synced prayer app over a generic paper calendar.
- Emergency Iftar Kits: Always keep a small bottle of water and a few dates in your glove compartment. The Srinagar Highway and Sixth Road can become bottlenecks 15 minutes before Iftar, making it impossible to reach home in time.