Basant Festival Cancelled
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Maryam Nawaz said that in light of the Islamabad tragedy, she was canceling all scheduled Basant activities planned for the following day. She also confirmed that the mega Basant show scheduled at Liberty Square would not take place.
The Punjab chief minister emphasized the need for national unity against extremist elements, stating that the nation must remain united against “Kharijite elements and their sympathizers” and show no leniency toward them. She added that the country must stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in defense of Pakistan.
It is worth noting that Maryam Nawaz had earlier announced Basant celebrations across Punjab from February 6 to February 8, with a central event planned for February 7 at Liberty Chowk, Lahore, and had invited citizens from across the province to participate.
However, Basant celebrations had already begun in Lahore last night, with citizens flying kites in various areas. Despite administrative claims of comprehensive safety arrangements, one person was killed and several others injured due to incidents involving stray kite strings.