Islamabad: As the Israel-Palestine conflict continues to claim lives and displace millions of people in Gaza, the Government of Pakistan has decided to ban all kinds of New Year celebrations in the country to express solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The announcement was made by the caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar on Thursday, in a televised address to the nation.
No joy for New Year
Kakar said that the government has imposed a strict ban on any kind of event for the New Year, keeping in mind the gravely worrying situation in Palestine and to show solidarity with the Palestinian brothers and sisters. He urged the Pakistani people to show restraint and humility in the New Year and to pray for the peace and security of the oppressed people of Gaza.
He said that the poverty-stricken Pakistanis will no longer be able to celebrate the New Year because it would be insensitive and inappropriate to do so when thousands of innocent children and civilians are being killed and injured by the Israeli forces in Gaza and the West Bank.
Pakistan’s support for Palestine
Kakar also alleged that the Israeli forces have crossed all limits of violence and injustice with the killing of nearly 9,000 children since the Israeli bombardment began on October 7. He said that the entire Pakistani nation and the Muslim world is in a state of extreme pain over the massacre of innocent children and unarmed Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
He said that Pakistan has sent two aid packages to Palestine and the third package is in preparation. He also highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people at global forums and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to continue these efforts to stop the alleged bloodshed being perpetrated by Israel.
He said that Pakistan stands firmly with the Palestinian people and supports their legitimate right to self-determination and statehood. He also called for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
New Year celebrations are not very popular
According to HT news, New Year celebrations in Pakistan are traditionally not very big due to the influence of Islamic groups, who try to stop the celebrations through various means, including the use of force. Many Pakistanis prefer to celebrate the Islamic New Year, which falls on a different date every year, according to the lunar calendar.
However, some segments of society, especially the urban youth, do celebrate the New Year with parties, fireworks and music. This year, however, they will have to abide by the government’s ban and refrain from any kind of celebration.
