Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar announced that the government has "completely banned all kinds of New Year events" to show solidarity with Palestinians. The government urges people to "observe simplicity" during this time.
In a brief televised national address, Mr. Kakar called upon the nation to stand united with the Palestinians and to observe modesty and humility during the New Year.
New Year's Eve in Pakistan is typically marked with lively celebrations, including fireworks and aerial gunfire, often accompanied by a bank holiday on January 1.
Kakar expressed deep sadness within the nation and the Muslim 'Ummah' over the "genocide of oppressed Palestinians, especially the massacre of innocent children" in Gaza and the West Bank.
“Keeping in mind the seriously concerning situation in Palestine and to show solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters, there will be a strict ban by the government on holding any kind of event for New Year,” he said.
He mentioned that since October 7, 2023, over 21,000 innocent Palestinians, including a significant number of children (around 9,000), have tragically lost their lives at the hands of the brutal Israeli forces.
The entire Pakistani nation and the Muslim world are deeply distressed by the tragic loss of innocent lives and the ongoing genocide of unarmed Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
He also mentioned that New Year celebrations in Pakistan are typically modest, influenced by Islamic groups discouraging festivities, sometimes using force.
Meanwhile, Sharjah, an emirate of the United Arab Emirates, has banned New Year's Eve fireworks due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The ban on New Year's Eve fireworks in Sharjah was described by the police as "a sincere expression of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with our siblings in Gaza," according to a Facebook post.
Pakistan's Support to Palestine
Pakistan has been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, and it acknowledged and justified Hamas's actions, including a terrorist attack on Israel and the abduction of Israeli civilians on October 7 this year.
Mr. Kakar mentioned that Pakistan has already sent two aid packages to Palestine, and preparations are underway for a third package to provide further support.
Image: AP News
Mr. Kakar stated that Pakistan is actively in discussions with Jordan and Egypt to deliver prompt assistance to Palestine and facilitate the evacuation of the injured individuals in Gaza.
He highlighted Pakistan's efforts to raise awareness about the Palestinian situation globally, aiming to curb Israeli violence.
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