A joyful celebration

New Year's Eve is one of the largest global celebrations because it marks the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, before the New Year. Many people around the world celebrate New Year's Eve to bid farewell to the year that ends and to welcome the New Year. No matter what nationality, social standing or religion they belong to, people go out to celebrate.

In Pakistan too, celebrations have taken place not only in major cities but surprisingly, even in the smaller towns. It was really nice to see men women and children of all ages defy the cold and freezing weather and be out and about to watch the fireworks; dance in the streets; enjoy food and hot drinks and generally hang out with friends and family. The days when the ‘danda’ brigade were active and made sure no one enjoyed themselves on this occasion, were pushed into the background of memory like a horrible nightmare as colourful fireworks lit up the night sky. And why not? It’s just a few hours of fun and frolic to forget problems and enjoy the small pleasures of life. People all over the world celebrate, so why should the majority of Pakistanis be deprived of a little bit of fun just because a few people object?

Yes, there have been a few accidents and unnecessary loss of lives because of the careless acts of a small minority of selfish and law breaking men and they should be severely punished for indulging in aerial firing. Accidents of another kind, like traffic ones are bound to take place when so many people are out on the roads but thankfully there was no major one.