In a move that reflects solidarity with the people of war-torn Gaza, Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar declared a strict ban on New Year celebrations in the country. The announcement comes as a gesture of support for Palestinians, who have been facing a dire situation in the ongoing conflict with Israel.
Addressing the nation, Kakar urged the Pakistani people to exhibit sobriety and humility during the New Year as a mark of solidarity with their Palestinian brothers and sisters. He expressed deep concern over the situation in Gaza, where more than 20,000 Palestinians, a majority of them women and children, have lost their lives since the start of the war.
“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,” Kakar stated. He accused Israeli forces of having “crossed all limits of violence and injustice,” with approximately 9,000 children dead since the Israeli bombardment began on October 7.
In addition to the ban on New Year celebrations, Kakar highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to provide aid to Palestine, with two aid packages already sent and a third one in preparation. He emphasized the country’s commitment to raising awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people on global platforms, condemning the actions of Israel and calling for an end to the bloodshed.
It’s noteworthy that New Year celebrations in Pakistan are traditionally not huge, primarily due to the influence of Islamic groups that attempt to curb festivities through various methods, including the use of force.
The ban on New Year celebrations aligns with Pakistan’s broader stance in support of Palestine and its condemnation of what Kakar referred to as the “massacre of innocent children.” As the international community watches developments in the region closely, Pakistan remains committed to its efforts to halt the ongoing violence and bring attention to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Sources By Agencies
