AUCKLAND/ISLAMABAD: The year 2026 began in the Pacific on Wednesday as countries across the globe prepared to bid farewell to 2025, with celebrations rolling westward across time zones.
The first place to welcome the New Year was the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, where 2026 began at midnight local time.
According to Pakistani time, the New Year arrived there at 3:00pm, making Kiribati the world’s first country to usher in 2026.
New Zealand and Australia celebrate
New Zealand followed soon after, welcoming 2026 at 4:00pm Pakistani time. In Auckland, the country’s largest city, the skyline lit up with a fireworks display as crowds gathered to mark the occasion.
Cities across Australia joined the celebrations shortly afterwards, holding large-scale public events and fireworks as the New Year arrived.
Asia marks the occasion with traditions
In Asia, including Japan and South Korea, the New Year is being marked with traditional rituals and cultural ceremonies, alongside public celebrations.
Several other Asian countries, including Pakistan, were preparing to welcome 2026 later on Wednesday night.
Experts say the staggered arrival of the New Year reflects the global time zone system, which divides the Earth into different regions and determines local time.
Europe, Middle East and US await midnight
Europe and the Middle East will welcome the New Year later, while the United States will be among the last regions to usher in 2026.
In New York City, preparations for the annual New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square were completed. The iconic crystal ball has been installed and tested, organisers said.
As in previous years, millions of people are expected to attend the event in person, while tens of millions more will watch live on television and online platforms.
Preparations in Karachi
In Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, police announced strict security arrangements for New Year’s Eve amid expectations of large crowds.
Karachi Additional Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho said more than 6,000 police personnel had been deployed across the city to maintain law and order, manage traffic and prevent illegal activities.
“We are making strict security arrangements in Karachi on the occasion of New Year,” Odho said, adding that no area, including the popular Seaview beach, would be closed to the public.
“There will be no permission for aerial firing or violations of the law,” he said, adding that offenders would be identified using Safe City surveillance cameras.
Traffic police have also been deployed at key locations to ensure smooth movement across the city.
