Islamabad-The Islooites on Sunday night celebrated the New Year with zest and zeal despite the cold weather conditions.

From private parties at homes and hotels to unplanned celebrations on main roads, the capital city welcomed the New Year with great gusto. The police put strict security in place to prevent any untoward incident on the eve of celebration. As soon as the clock ticked 12, the youngsters danced on the city roads and wished each other a Happy New Year. Islamabad embraced 2018 with a warm heart and hope that the New Year brings peace and prosperity to the country. 

The police devised a comprehensive security plan under which 1000 police officials and law enforcement personnel were deployed in main markets to ensure foolproof security. The Frontier Constabulary and Rangers continued to patrol important roads of the capital. Four SPs, 10 ASPs and 25 Inspectors were among the officers who supervised the security arrangements.

The security was especially high at Blue Area, Karachi Company, sectors F-10, F-11, G-10, G-11, Faizabad, Aabpara Market, Shakarparian, IJP road and Express Highway for the safety of public on the eve of New Year night.

The Traffic police worked in coordination with the city police to maintain law and order on the night of 31st December. Security was high alert at the entry and exit points of the city while special check posts were placed to check the movement of residents, particularly the youngsters on city roads at midnight. A high alert was maintained at the police pickets to respond to any untoward situation.

According to the security plan, squads of Falcon, Eagle and Bravo police continued patrolling the city roads to keep an eye on miscreants. The police warned young men, of strict action if they were found using motorcycles without a silencer.

A couple from UK, Sarfraz Ahmed and Shaista Sarfraz who were present outside a guest house in G-8 Markaz hoped that the year 2018 will bring peace and prosperity for the whole world. Standing beside their daughter Sidra, Sarfraz hoped that Pakistan, starts improving on political, administrative and economic fronts.

He was of the view that Pakistan should improve its image when it comes to integrity and honesty of politicians. He said that he would be leaving the country in the next few days with a hope that the country would be a better place when he comes here again.

Saleem Ahmed, a government employee eating at Melody Market waiting for midnight was of the view that celebrations are nothing if the citizens of the country don’t strive to uplift the country. He lamented that it would make no difference until we change ourselves for betterment of the country.