As the New Year - 2018 has officially begun today; Karachi came alive with celebrations and fireworks, gatherings etc as thousands of jubilant folks, majority youth thronged to Seaview to rejoice the New Year night with fervour. Unlike its previous traditions, the Sindh Government this New Year Night kept the roads leading to Seaview open for all kind of traffic movement, as Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal ordered police that no containers would be placed on the roads, requesting the Karachiites to celebrate the night peacefully and responsibly.
However, the Section 144 remained in effect regarding aerial firing and one-wheeling on motorbikes and illegal racing. They also directed the police to take stern measures against the violators of the act. It may be pertinent to mention here that Sea View has remained closed in the past few years on New Year's Eve amid security concerns. However, the city's law and order has considerably improved with the ongoing Rangers-led Karachi Operation. The social analyst said confidence among people have enhanced on the security situation of the city as they have begun participating in each mega event overwhelmingly. They termed the celebration a good omen for the Karachi to bring its lights and night life back.
As many as 300 police officials were deputed on the thoroughfares and around Seaview to ensure strict security of the visitors and those celebrating New Year eve. Talking to media Murad said, "the citizens are responsible. We hope the youngsters would not create problems for themselves and others." He asked the Commissioner Karachi as well as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South to allow citizens to freely enjoy the festivity of the eve. However, he directed them to take action against those using firearms, one-wheeling on motorbikes and racing.
Every year, majority of roads linked to Seaview, and Defence Housing Authority (DHA) are blocked with containers on the New Year night to minimise the crowd at beach. People also went on the roof tops of houses and high-rise buildings to take pictures and catch the beautiful scene of the last sunset of 2017. Special prayers were also offered in Masajid and the citizens wished that the New Year may bring peace, progress and prosperity in the county.
Residents of Bahria Town Karachi also witnessed brilliant New Year celebrations such as fireworks, and musical show. Social media users also kept circulating messages to their friends and relatives seeking forgiveness for their misdeeds for the sack of New Year. While the promising youth shared their New Year plans, targets, and strategies they have set for 2018. "I have seen many parts of the country, but this year I have a plan to visit the Northern Areas and specially Gilgit-Baltistan," said Kaneez Fatima a resident of Korangi Awami Colony.
Astrologists were also seen on television screens, predicting and speculating on how New Year would bring things (fortunes/misfortunes) for top politicians, cricketers, film stars etc.
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