UNITED NATIONS, Mar 19(Kamran Raja): Pakistan has emphasised the significance of Nowruz, which marks the beginning of the joyous spring season, claiming that the occasion represents the spirit of rebirth, introspection, and thankfulness. During a special ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Nowruz at the U.N. Headquarters in New York, Ambassador Munir Akram said, “Nowruz reminds us that just as the Indus has flowed through the ages, carrying the legacy of our ancestors, so too must we carry forward the traditions of unity, peace, and cultural richness.” Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan all sponsored the event. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is now in Geneva, said in a video message to commemorate the anniversary that Nowruz “inspires us to bridge divides and foster unity; to commit to peace, dialogue, and mutual respect; and to protect the planet and live in harmony with nature.” “As the world renews itself this spring, let us remember that every new year, and every day, is a chance for a new start; a chance to do things differently; an opportunity to build a better world,” the head of the UN said.
“As the earth awakens from its winter slumber and the colours of spring return, we welcome Nowruz—a festival of renewal, resilience, and togetherness,” Ambassador Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, added in his remarks. “Baharan is more than just a seasonal shift in Pakistan,” he said, “from the tranquil valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan to the historic lands of Balochistan and from the ancient Indus Valley—the birthplace of one of the world’s earliest civilisations.” It is a testament to the enduring spirit of our people and has been woven into our heritage for thousands of years.
“Just as fasting purifies the soul, spring purifies the earth, reminding us that no hardship is permanent and every challenge holds the seed of a new beginning,” Ambassador Akram remarked, pointing out that Nowruz falls inside the holy month of Ramadan this year. “Of course as we celebrate, we cannot ignore the pain of our brothers and sisters around the world,” he stated. He continued, “Just as spring teaches us that darkness is never eternal, we stand in solidarity with all those who await their season of justice and peace.” Let it serve as a reminder that genuine rebirth occurs not only with the changing of the seasons but also with the decisions we make. At the United Nations, we have a responsibility to uphold justice, heal divisions, and promote peace across national boundaries.
“May this Nowruz, in the spirit of Ramzan, bring light to the weary, strength to the oppressed, and hope to all,” said the Pakistani ambassador. Nowruz is celebrated by an estimated 300 million people worldwide and is listed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).