As Wednesday turned into Thursday, people across Pakistan and other parts of the world said farewell to a sometimes difficult 2025 and shared hopes for peace and happiness in the year ahead.
Pakistan celebrated New Year 2026 as people planned a night filled with fireworks, countdowns, and festive gatherings across the city.
Several locations emerged as popular spots to witness fireworks, offering different experiences ranging from open public spaces to organised restaurant and hotel events.
Liberty Chowk remained the main public gathering point. Large crowds traditionally gather here for the midnight countdown, making it one of the most energetic places to welcome the New Year.
For those seeking a more comfortable setting, Howdy Pine Avenue promoted New Year celebrations that included food, music, and fireworks in a controlled environment suitable for families.
In DHA Phase 5, Chai Hujra offered a cozy New Year experience with tea, snacks, live entertainment, and planned fireworks, attracting nearby residents who prefer staying close to home.
Meanwhile, Karachi imposed a two-day ban on pillion riding, the carrying or display of arms, aerial firing, and the use of fireworks on New Year's Eve celebrations.
Read more: Field Marshal warns of firm response to any violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity
In a notification issued on Wednesday, Karachi administration outlined that the move comes in response to concerns over large gatherings expected at Sea View, with a significant number of young people arriving in cars and on motorcycles. These gatherings are feared to cause traffic congestion and inconvenience to local residents.
The new year first arrived in Pacific islands near the International Date Line, including Kiritimati, Tonga, and New Zealand, before spreading westward across the globe.
In Australia, Sydney welcomed 2026 with its traditional grand fireworks display. Around 40,000 pyrotechnic effects lit up the harbour across a 7 km stretch, including a waterfall effect from the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The event took place under heightened security following a deadly attack weeks earlier.
Organisers observed a minute’s silence at 11 pm to honour the victims. The Harbour Bridge was lit in white, with a menorah projected onto its pylons. “After a tragic end to the year for our city, we hope that New Year’s Eve will provide an opportunity to come together and look with hope for a peaceful and happy 2026,” said Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
In Seoul, thousands gathered at the Bosingak bell pavilion, where a bronze bell was struck 33 times at midnight, a tradition believed to drive away misfortune and welcome prosperity.
Read more: Zohran Mamdani becomes New York’s youngest mayor on New York Day
Celebrations also took place near the Great Wall of China, where revellers waved signs marked “2026” and symbols of the horse, ahead of the upcoming Year of the Horse in the lunar calendar.
In Croatia, festivities began early in the town of Fuzine, where crowds celebrated at noon with music, dancing, and champagne, while some plunged into icy Lake Bajer.
Elsewhere, preparations continued for midnight events in cities like New York and Rio de Janeiro. In Kyiv, Ukrainians welcomed the new year with mixed emotions, holding on to hopes for peace after years of conflict.
“We must be realistic. Of course, everyone wants to believe (in peace), but I don't know how wise it is to believe,” said Iryna, a Ukrainian soldier. Nine-year-old Olesia remained hopeful, saying, “I think there will be peace in the new year.”
The end of 2025 brought both joy and reflection worldwide. Celebrations showed unity despite hardship. Many enter 2026 with cautious hope for peace and stability.
