Pakistan bans New Year's eve celebrations in solidarity with Gaza

Pakistan has decided to forgo its traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations as an expression of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, in a televised address on Thursday evening, announced a complete ban on all New Year-related events, urging citizens to “observe simplicity” in light of the grave situation in the Gaza Strip.

The decision comes amid the backdrop of Israel’s relentless aerial bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza, initiated as a response to Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel.

The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction in the northern part of Gaza and a staggering death toll, with at least 21,320 people reported killed, primarily women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry run by Hamas.

The October 7 attack, carried out by Palestinian militants, claimed approximately 1,140 lives, predominantly civilians, AP learnt.

Kakar emphasized the collective sorrow of the Pakistani nation and the wider Muslim Ummah over the tragic events unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank, particularly the distressing loss of innocent lives, including children.

New Year’s Eve in Pakistan is typically marked with exuberant celebrations, featuring fireworks, aerial gunfire, and a bank holiday on January 1.

However, in a departure from the norm, the government has instituted this ban to symbolize its support for the Palestinians in their time of hardship.

The solidarity movement extends beyond Pakistan, as Sharjah, an emirate in the United Arab Emirates, has also taken a similar stance.

The emirate declared a ban on New Year’s Eve fireworks, citing it as “a sincere expression of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with our siblings in the Gaza Strip,” according to a statement by Sharjah police on Facebook.