Celebrations marked the start of 2026 across Pakistan as people welcomed the New Year with fireworks, music and public gatherings in major cities following festivities around the world.
In Karachi, the country’s largest city, Mayor Murtaza Wahab attended a musical evening at Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim, where fireworks were planned at midnight. The mayor arrived at the venue on Thursday to take part in an event celebrating the spirit of famous Sufi saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
During the program, Wahab requested a performance of Qalandari dhamaal in honor of the saint. Singers performed folk music in various regional languages, reflecting the cultural diversity of the country. Organizers said a fireworks display near the beach would take place at midnight, adding that all arrangements for the show had been completed.
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The event aimed to mix New Year celebrations with cultural festivities, providing entertainment while promoting traditional Sufi music and performances.
In Lahore, Liberty Chowk hosted a large-scale fireworks display organized by the Punjab government. A significant number of citizens gathered to watch the spectacle, while police and traffic officers were deployed to maintain security and manage the crowd.
Large crowds, including women and children, also gathered along Mall Road on New Year’s Eve to welcome 2026. Authorities ensured that the main carriageway remained clear, with citizens restricted to sidewalks to avoid disruption and ensure safety.
Churches along Mall Road rang their bells at midnight to mark the start of the new year, adding to the festive atmosphere. Residents were able to celebrate enthusiastically at the start of the year.
Meanwhile, two persons were injured in separate incidents of aerial firing in Chanesar Goth and Goli Mar Haji Mirad Goth, Karachi.
In separate incidents, two people were also injured by bullets from unknown sources at Five Star Chowrangi and Korangi No. 3, according to Edhi authorities.
A man was also injured by a stray bullet near the New Vegetable Market, Chhipa Rescue authorities reported. All the injured received medical treatment and were transported to nearby hospitals.
Authorities called for calm and urged residents to refrain from firing weapons during the celebrations.
