Pakistanis greet 2025 in a blaze of lights and festivities

The nation welcomed 2025 with dazzling fireworks displays and celebrations in major cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

According to the 24NewsHD TV Channel, despite the cold weather, citizens poured onto the streets to join in the revelry, lighting up the night sky with vibrant colours.

Governor's House Sindh sets world record with 40-minute fireworks

In Karachi, a dazzling 40-minute fireworks display at the Sindh Governor's House created a new world record, lighting up the night sky and capturing the attention of the nation. 

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori congratulated the public on the New Year and announced ambitious plans for 2025.

“This year, we aim to provide free IT courses to 500,000 youth, ensure clean drinking water, affordable electricity, and better sanitation for everyone,” the governor stated during the celebration.

A unique sunrise tradition in Shakargarh

The first sunrise of 2025 in Pakistan was witnessed in Shakargarh’s Bada Bhai Masroor area of Deen Panah. Locals gathered at this historic spot, where Pakistan’s standard time was first determined in 1951, to watch the sun’s first rays.

Special prayers offered in mosques

Prayers for national prosperity and peace were offered in the mosques and other worship places, especially churches and Hindu temples across the country, as part of this cherished tradition.

In Lahore, the Christian community marked the New Year with special services at various churches. At St. Anthony’s Church on Empress Road, Reverend Father Asif Sardar lit the ceremonial candle as attendees applauded in celebration. Prayers were offered for the nation’s development, stability, and peace.

Aerial firing injures 27 people in Karachi

In Karachi, New Year’s festivities took a violent turn as aerial firing injured 27 people, including three women and three children. The incidents occurred in areas such as Liaquatabad, Shah Faisal Colony, and Clifton. Police arrested 31 suspects and confiscated weapons used in the firing.

Lahore police clamp down on violators

In Lahore, the New Year’s Eve festivities saw a robust police crackdown on illegal activities. The Model Town Division police arrested 52 individuals for various violations, including one-wheeling, hooliganism, aerial firing, and drug trafficking.

“We apprehended 41 individuals for mischief-making, seven for aerial firing, and four drug peddlers,” police officials reported. Confiscated items included two rifles, five pistols, over 80 litres of liquer, and several motorcycles used in illegal stunts.

In the Shad Bagh area, 15 suspects were detained for firing weapons, and illegal firearms were seized. Similar arrests were made in the Shahdara, Cantonment, and Ravi Road areas. In the Gwalmandi area, a suspect carrying an M4 rifle and ammunition on a motorcycle was apprehended.

Festivities overshadowed by misconduct

While the celebrations brought joy to many, the authorities had to address widespread violations in Karachi and Lahore, ensuring the safety of citizens. Despite the challenges, the spirit of the New Year resonated across the nation as communities prayed for a brighter, more prosperous 2025.

Reporters: Ishtiaq Rabbani, Salman Saleem, Anusha Jafri, Umair Afzal, and Romil Ilyas, Abid Chaudhry, and Khurshid Rahmani