Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has called off all official Basant festivities in Lahore following a deadly suicide attack in Islamabad that claimed at least 31 lives and injured many others.
The move was taken to observe national mourning and show solidarity with those affected by the blast at an imambargah in Tarlai.
Maryam Nawaz shared on her social media that her Basant-related appearances, including the large-scale Basant event planned at Liberty Square, would no longer take place.
She stressed the importance of national unity in the face of terrorism and urged the public to support the country’s armed forces while rejecting efforts by extremists to disrupt peace.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari also confirmed that all government-backed Basant activities scheduled for the day had been cancelled as a gesture of respect for the grieving families.
The decision came soon after the festival was revived this year, with preparations already underway for kite flying and other spring celebrations after years of suspension.
However, reports indicated that some privately organised Basant gatherings continued under strict safety guidelines, as provincial authorities had earlier allowed limited celebrations while prioritising public safety.