Pakistan has welcomed the New Year 2026 with renewed resolve.

Across the country, the new year was marked with fireworks displays in several cities.

PM Shehbaz’s message on New Year 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended New Year greetings to the entire nation. He said he prayed that the sun of the new year would rise with prosperity and the blessings and grace of Almighty Allah.

The prime minister expressed hope that every day of the new year would further strengthen values such as national integrity and harmony. He said the year 2025 would be written in golden letters in history in terms of the defence of the homeland.

PM Shehbaz said that the armed forces and the nation together thwarted hostile designs and set a historic example in the Battle of Truth. The premier said that Pakistan’s falcons ensured an impregnable defence of the country’s airspace.

He added that, God willing, the entire nation would stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces and remain a solid wall in the defence of the country. The prime minister paid tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the motherland.

PM Shehbaz said the government was making every possible effort for national economic prosperity. He maintained that recent improvements in economic indicators reflected the government’s correct and positive direction.

The prime minister said Pakistan would continue its sincere efforts for regional and global peace. He expressed goodwill and solidarity with the oppressed people of Kashmir and Palestine.

PM Shehbaz prayed that Almighty Allah would protect Pakistan from evils such as terrorism, sectarianism and social division.

He expressed the hope that the coming year would make Pakistan a cradle of social and political harmony, prosperity and stability.

Quetta

Scenes of celebration marked the start of the new year in Quetta. A colourful event was held at a private shopping mall, where a cake was cut and a fireworks display added to the festive mood. The participants exchanged the New Year greetings and offered prayers for peace, prosperity and happiness.

Multan

In Multan, enthusiastic youth came out of their homes on New Year’s night, leading to heavy crowds on the roads. Police checkpoints were set up across the city to maintain law and order.

Islamabad

New Year celebrations were held at Park View City, Islamabad. A colourful fair was arranged near the lake, accompanied by a musical concert, followed by a fireworks display. Citizens expressed satisfaction and said such arrangements were rarely seen.

Talat Hussain's message

Senior anchorperson Syed Talat Hussain extended New Year greetings to viewers, urged them to remain positive, achieve their goals, enjoy the new year, and continue sharing feedback, which he termed as important.

Messages from arts, entertainment community

Veteran actor Javed Sheikh offered prayers for national progress and expressed hope that 2026 would be a year of prosperity.

Actor Sheheryar Munawar called on the nation to remain united, support one another, share love, and end hatred.

Youth of Pakistan and the New Year

The year 2025 has become part of the past. With the arrival of 2026, Pakistani youth have expressed fresh hopes and determination. Many aim to contribute to economic stability, while others prioritise excellence in education to bring honour to the country. A large number of young people have pledged to uphold the rule of law in 2026.

International New Year celebrations

Australia

Australia welcomed the new year with a grand fireworks display at Sydney Harbour, lighting up the sky. Before the fireworks, large gatherings observed a minute of silence at Bondi, lighting candles and mobile phone torches.

China

China marked the new year in a traditional manner. Fireworks displays took place in Hong Kong, while Taiwan celebrated with a spectacular display at Taipei 101. President Xi said 2025 proved to be a year of achievement and progress for China, with economic and defence strength reaching new levels. He said the world was undergoing change, with some regions still affected by conflict.

China, he said, remained ready to work with all countries for global peace and development, promote a fair system of global governance, and pursue national reunification, which he described as inevitable.

South Korea

South Korea marked the start of 2026 with traditional bell-ringing ceremonies in Seoul.

Malaysia

A fireworks display was held at the Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur to welcome the new year.

President Putin’s New Year address

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation on the New Year. He expressed confidence in Russia’s success in the ongoing war with Ukraine.

He said the outcome of peace talks remained uncertain, praised soldiers fighting on the front lines as heroes, extended New Year greetings to them, and said the nation took pride in its officers and troops.