The ban is a 'sincere expression' of solidarity with the people of Gaza
new year10 months ago
Pakistan has banned New Year's Eve celebrations to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, the government said late Thursday, urging people to instead "observe simplicity".
In an evening televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said because of the situation in the Gaza Strip, the government had "completely banned all kinds of events regarding the New Year celebrations".
Israel's relentless aerial bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza, in retaliation for Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, has left much of the territory's north in ruins, and killed at least 21,320 people, mostly women and children.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
The October 7 attack by the Palestinian militants left about 1,140 people dead, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.
Kakar said Thursday, "The entire Pakistani nation and the Muslim Ummah were deeply saddened by the genocide of the oppressed Palestinians, especially the massacre of innocent children, in Gaza and the West Bank."
New Year's Eve is usually marked in boisterous fashion in Pakistan, with fireworks and aerial gunfire — as well as a bank holiday on January 1.
Sharjah, an emirate of the United Arab Emirates, on Thursday banned New Year's Eve fireworks over the war in Gaza.
The ban was "a sincere expression of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with our siblings in the Gaza Strip," Sharjah police said in a Facebook post.
ALSO READ:
The ban is a 'sincere expression' of solidarity with the people of Gaza
new year10 months ago
Dubai Police has announced a new security plan around the iconic landmark on the festive occasion
new year10 months ago
Khaleej Times has reached out to mental health experts as well, for solutions to loneliness
new year10 months ago
It will be 'the brightest, biggest and most colourful' fireworks show, the Dubai Media Office has said
new year10 months ago
January 1, 2024, will be on Monday – making it a long weekend for residents
new year10 months ago
Motorists who intend to enter Ras Al Khaimah must use alternative routes
new year10 months ago
The RTA announced changes to the routes in order to accommodate for the increased traffic on the public holiday
new year10 months ago
Exemption does not apply to the seven-day paid public parking zones, which remain operational throughout the week
new year10 months ago