Celebrations marked the beginning 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 night at Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim, where fireworks were planned for midnight. The mayor arrived at the venue on Thursday to take part in an event celebrating the spirit of renowned Sufi saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
During the programme, Wahab requested a performance of Qalandari dhamaal in honor of the saint. Singers performed folk music in several regional languages, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity. Organizers said a fireworks show would take place near the beach at midnight, adding that all preparations for the show had been completed.
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The event aimed to combine New Year celebrations with cultural festivities, offering entertainment and 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 witness the spectacle, while police personnel and traffic guards were deployed to maintain security and manage crowds.
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 and citizens were confined to the sidewalks to avoid disruption and ensure safety.
Churches along Mall Road rang their bells at midnight to usher in the New Year, adding to the festive atmosphere. Residents were seen enthusiastically celebrating the beginning of the year.
Meanwhile, two people 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 assistance and were transferred to nearby hospitals.
Authorities have called for calm and urged residents to refrain from firing weapons during the celebrations.
