A surprising turn of events, Pakistan has decided to shelve its New Year's Eve celebrations, usually a boisterous affair, to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar announced the decision in a televised address, citing the dire situation in the Gaza Strip.
Typically, as the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, Pakistanis are accustomed to vibrant celebrations featuring fireworks, aerial gunfire, and even a bank holiday on January 1. However, this year, the government is calling for a departure from the norm, urging citizens to "observe simplicity" in light of the ongoing conflict.
The move echoes a similar decision in Sharjah, an emirate in the United Arab Emirates, which also banned New Year's Eve fireworks as a gesture of solidarity with Gaza. The ban in Sharjah was described as "a sincere expression of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with our siblings in the Gaza Strip," according to a Facebook post by the Sharjah police.
Prime Minister Kakar emphasized the deep sadness felt by the entire Pakistani nation and the Muslim Ummah over the tragedy unfolding in Gaza. The relentless aerial bombardment and ground invasion by Israel, sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack, have left a devastating impact on the region. The Gaza health ministry, run by Hamas, reports a staggering death toll of at least 21,320 people, with the majority being women and children.
The October 7 attack by Palestinian militants further intensified the toll, resulting in approximately 1,140 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.
Kakar's statement highlights the focus on the humanitarian aspect of the conflict, specifically mentioning the "genocide of the oppressed Palestinians" and the heartbreaking "massacre of innocent children" in Gaza and the West Bank.
The decision to forego New Year's Eve festivities reflects a poignant moment of unity and empathy, where a nation usually immersed in joyous celebrations steps back to acknowledge the pain and suffering of others. It's a departure from the norm, a conscious choice to prioritize compassion over revelry, and a reminder that, sometimes, solidarity takes precedence over celebration.
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