Happy New Year to all Pakistanis as they entered in 2020 with best wishes, new hopes, musical gatherings and off course spectacular fireworks display in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and other parts of the country, as people bid farewell to 2019 while witnessing the last sunset of the decade.
In major cities, families and revelers especially young people have packed cafes, roadside eateries, markets, malls, streets and main roads despite coldest winter midnight to dance away the decade and welcome 2020 with music, gatherings, picnics and firecrackers.
In different cities, fireworks could be witnessed and people were taking to social media to share best wishes and happiness. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp are filled with motivational and inspirational quotes, wishes and messages.
ENCHANTING BAHRIA TOWN
Bahria Town hosted the grand new year celebrations in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad with enchanting performances of dancing fountains and music to set the tone of the night. In Lahore, people gathered at Bahria Town to witness amazing display of fireworks at the replica of the Eiffel Tower to welcome the new year and a new decade.
The sky lit up with spectacular fireworks as the clock ticked to midnight. In Karachi, people gathered at the Adventure Land Theme Park to welcome 2020. The families witnessed epic fireworks, dancing fountain and enjoyed music concert. Also, people switched into party mode at the Bahria Enclave in Islamabad to enjoy dazzling firework display and music at the replica of the Statue of Liberty.
SUSTAINED ECONOMIC GROWTH
In his felicitation message to the nation, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser expressed his optimism that the dawn of 2020 will usher a new era of sustained economic growth coupled with uplift of the common man and consolidation of democracy in Pakistan. “We have decisively turned a page in our history and have embarked upon our national journey afresh with the resolve to overcome challenges,” he said.
“I strongly believe that Pakistan is finally heading towards achieving the goal of social harmony and economic development,” he said and reiterated resolve of the government to an inclusive democracy dedicated to the uplift of the downtrodden and streamlining of the marginalized strata of the society. He urged his fellow countrymen to shun all differences and unite under the banner of faith, unity and discipline as espoused by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
GREATEST SOURCE OF HOPE
In his new year message, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that the world’s young people are its greatest source of hope. From climate action to gender equality to social justice and human rights, the new generation is on the front lines and in the headlines, he said.
“I am inspired by your passion and determination,” he said, noting that young people are rightly demanding a role in shaping the future. He pointed out that 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the organization so they are launching a decade of action for the Sustainable Development Goals – a blueprint for a fair globalization.
WHAT OTHERS SAY
Shahid Baloch, an artist, expressed the hope that the new year will bring happiness, joy and relief from sorrows. He said that 2020 will prove to be the year of peace, stability and harmony. As an artist, he said that it’s a pleasant feeling, as people getting together and having a good time during the New Year night.
“I am hoping things will be better in 2020; although 2019 was also a good year because nothing so bad happened,” said Harryson Michael, a young vocalist and a guitarist. “I am so exiting that the new year will bring more happiness and blessings upon us,” he said, and asked people to share happiness with everyone and with people even they don’t know.
Aileen Zoya Paul, a student at Lahore’s National College of Arts, asked people to start the new year by sharing love and care with their families and friends. “One of the best ways to make your loved ones feel special is by sending them unique wishes and messages for 2020.” May the new year 2020 add a new beauty and freshness into the life of every near and dear, she said.
Muhammad Huzaifa, a student of Lahore’s Islamia College, said that may this year be fantastic for him and his family. He said that he has a dream to go abroad for a university level education. “I expect that I will receive a good news of getting admission abroad during the end of 2020,” he said. “I am reader of books besides watching good movies so I will try to read more good books during this year,” he said.
Mohnee Amar, a student of history at Lahore’s Govt College University, said that she will continue to pursue higher education soon after completion of her graduation degree this year. “May 2020 bring new happiness, new goals, new achievements and a lot of new inspirations in our life,” she said.
“May this new year begin with a joyous life, filled with peace and prosperity along with the will to write a beautiful story for yourself,” said Subhan Boor boor, a private job holder. Gurjeet Singh, a student, shared joy of the new year, saying that take a leap of faith and begin this wondrous new year by believing.