The countdown to welcome the New Year has officially begun across the world, including Pakistan, with only a few hours left before the sun sets on 2025 and preparations for New Year celebrations entering their final stages in many countries.
Across different parts of the world, arrangements are being made for festivities, illuminated displays, and entertainment events, as people gather in large numbers to bid farewell to the outgoing year and warmly welcome the New Year.
The sun of 2026 will rise first on the horizon of New Zealand, where New Year celebrations will begin in Auckland at 4:00 pm Pakistan Standard Time, followed by Sydney, Australia, where the New Year will be welcomed at 6:00 pm.
At Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, a spectacular fireworks and light show will take place at midnight, while New York’s Times Square will host its traditional New Year celebrations at 2:00 am. Meanwhile, London and Paris will ring in the New Year at 4:00 am.
During the traditional countdown ceremonies, large crowds around the world will offer prayers for the coming year and exchange greetings with loved ones, while in Beijing, China’s capital, a traditional opera performance will be staged as part of the New Year tea party celebrations.
Meanwhile, preparations for New Year festivities are also underway in various cities across Pakistan, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, where fireworks displays have been planned at multiple locations to welcome the New Year.
As the clock strikes midnight, a special fireworks display will be held at the Sindh Governor House in Karachi, marking the beginning of the New Year with celebration and enthusiasm.
