Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar announced on Thursday a comprehensive ban on New Year celebrations, citing solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“In light of the grave situation in Palestine and as a demonstration of solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters, the government imposes a strict ban on all New Year events,” PM Kakar declared in an address to the nation.
The prime minister highlighted the alarming toll on the Palestinian population, with over 21,000 killed by Israeli forces, including 9,000 children since the commencement of Israeli bombardment on October 7. Kakar condemned the Israeli actions, stating they “crossed all limits of violence and injustice.”
The prime minister stated, “the entire Pakistani nation and the Muslim world stand in sheer sorrow over the massacre of innocent children and the genocide of unarmed Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.”
Kakar emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to raising the issue on global platforms, asserting its stance against the Israeli bloodshed.
He revealed that Pakistan had sent two aid packages to Palestine, with a third in preparation. Additionally, Pakistan was in discussions with Jordan and Egypt to provide timely aid to Palestine and evacuate the injured in Gaza.
The military’s top leadership brass also expressed full solidarity with the Palestinians earlier in the day, condemning the “serious human rights violations and war crimes” by the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip.
The military reiterated the government’s demand for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and advocated for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
