Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari has strongly dismissed recent rumors about multiple Basant celebrations.She emphasized that Basant festivities are officially scheduled for February 6, 7, and 8, and reiterated that kite flying on any other dates will not be permitted under any circumstances.
Azma Bokhari said Basant will be celebrated strictly under rules and regulations, and every kite and string used during the festival will be officially registered. Kites will carry QR codes, while manufacturers, string makers, and sellers will also be registered and licensed.Only licensed individuals will be authorized to sell kites.
The Minister stated that the purpose of this system is to ensure that substandard and metallic strings are completely eliminated, as unsafe strings in the past turned this beautiful festival into a dangerous one and caused loss of life.
She emphasized that the Punjab Government will not allow anyone to put lives at risk. In connection with Basant, free safety antennas are being provided by the Traffic Police for motorcyclists to prevent accidents during the festival days.
Azma Bokhari said that, on the direction of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, this vibrant cultural festival is being revived responsibly, so that Lahore can once again reclaim its cultural and traditional identity. She added that if Lahoris demonstrate responsibility this year, the festival could potentially be celebrated across Punjab next year.
The Minister said Basant is a festival of joy, color, and culture. “The true spirit of Basant lies in flying kites-not in endangering someone’s life with metallic string. We must collectively ensure that this festival is celebrated safely, responsibly, and joyfully.”
She announced that the Information & Culture Department is also organizing special cultural programs for Basant, featuring music, food, kite flying, and a variety of other activities.
She added that the Chief Minister aims to restore the festive spirit, colors, and joy of Punjab, and protecting these celebrations is our shared responsibility.
Separately, Azma Bokhari met with Divisional Information Secretary of PML-N Sargodha, Tariq Qasmi, in Lahore. During the meeting, discussions were held on the country’s political situation, the Punjab government’s mega development projects, and the organizational matters of the party.
Speaking to the media, Minister Azma Bokhari said that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab is progressing steadily on the path of development. Currently, over one hundred initiatives are successfully underway across the province. She added that the Chief Minister’s vision for development and prosperity has transformed the lives of the people.
Commenting on PTI, she said that the founder of PTI is mentally unstable. She referred to an incident where the sister of a convicted individual met with him and reported that her brother was depressed, calling him a “mentally unstable person.” She questioned why such criticism is magnified when the same words are used against them. She also mentioned that prisoner 804 has now become known as a “mentally unstable person.”
Regarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, she stated that no decision has been made yet to impose Governor’s rule. However, if Chief Minister Sohail Afridi maintains the same approach and statements, the government may have no option but to consider Governor’s rule.
On this occasion, Minister Azma Bokhari also praised the party services of Divisional Information Secretary Tariq Mahmood Qasmi, calling sincere and dedicated party workers invaluable assets whose contributions can never be forgotten.