Pakistan announces ‘strict ban’ on New Year celebrations

Pakistan caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Thursday declared a ban on the New Year celebration in the country as a gesture of solidarity with the people of war-torn Gaza. In an address to the nation, Kakar urged to show solidarity with the Palestinians and exhibit sobriety and humility at the New Year.

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.The whole Pakistani nation and the Muslim world are in a sheer state of anguish over the massacre of innocent children and genocide of unarmed Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.”He said Pakistan had sent two aid packages to Palestine, with a third one in preparation. Kakar also highlighted Pakistan's ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people on global platforms and affirmed the country's commitment to continuing these efforts to halt the bloodshed perpetrated by Israel.Pakistan’s New Year celebrations are traditionally not huge due to the influence of Islamic groups who try to stop the festivities through various methods