New Year 2026 dawns under winter’s charm with rain and snow

WEB DESK: The New Year 2026 began with renewed hopes and prayers across the country, marking the beginning of the new calendar year with optimism for peace, stability and prosperity.

Special prayers were offered in mosques nationwide for the country’s security, economic improvement and public well-being. Citizens expressed hope that 2026 would bring progress and better times for the nation.

In Karachi, the first sunrise of the New Year was witnessed at 7:17 am. A large number of people gathered at Hill Park to welcome the first sun of 2026, capturing the scenic view on their cameras. In contrast, residents of Lahore and Multan were unable to see the sunrise due to dense fog, though citizens said their hopes for the New Year remained high despite the weather.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain, snowfall, strong winds and thunderstorms in various parts of the country on January 1, 2026. According to the forecast, snowfall is expected in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Galiyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli.

Rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is likely in Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat and Sialkot. Thunderstorms are expected at a few places in Gujranwala and Narowal, while rain is forecast in Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu and Murree.

Authorities have warned that traffic flow may be affected due to road closures, slippery conditions and possible landslides in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Continued snowfall in Murree has intensified the cold in the twin cities.

The weather is expected to remain cold in most districts of Balochistan, while cold and dry conditions are likely in most parts of Sindh. Rain continues in different regions of the country as the New Year begins under a mix of prayers, hope and wintry weather.

Citizens prayed that 2026 would be a year of happiness, peace and success for the country, bringing prosperity to its people despite the challenges ahead.