We have always heard that the vibrant colors of Punjab and its rich cultural heritage are the true identity of the province across the world. This time, after a gap of 25 years, Basant provided the younger generation with the opportunity to witness these colors and traditions with their own eyes.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz decided to revive Basant celebrations in Lahore after 25 years. This was a very difficult decision because many concerns and reservations had been raised regarding the festival. However, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz honoured her commitment and successfully implemented her decision. Before the commencement of Basant, the highest standard of security arrangements was put in place. Since the younger generation was going to celebrate Basant for the first time in their lives, safety measures were also ensured at the same high level.
For the protection of citizens, the Punjab government installed nearly 1.3 million safety rods on motorcycles. Public transport remained completely free for three days, including 500 electric buses, rickshaws, and taxis, and approximately five million people benefited from free travel.
During the Basant days, more than one million vehicles entered Lahore. If the number of passengers arriving by air from abroad and those coming by train from other cities of Pakistan are counted, it is estimated that at least ten million people came to Lahore to celebrate Basant. While Pakistanis are passionate about Basant, foreign nationals also traveled to Lahore to participate in the celebrations. Foreign ambassadors and representatives of international media especially came to cover Basant and were also seen enjoying kite flying themselves.
With the revival of Basant, people across Pakistan were seen praising Maryam Nawaz and admiring the good fortune of Lahoris. The three-day Basant celebrations helped Lahore establish a new identity around the world. Visitors from Karachi and other cities stated that they had always heard Lahore was a city of lively and warm-hearted people, but during this Basant, they witnessed it with their own eyes.
The decision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to celebrate Basant was appreciated at every level, and people arriving from across the country expressed great happiness and excitement. Basant provided healthy entertainment not only to the people of Lahore but to citizens throughout Pakistan. Perhaps for the first time, international media openly and positively portrayed Pakistan’s true image to the world. This Basant not only provided recreation to locals but also presented a positive and peaceful face of Pakistan globally. The world received the message that the people of Pakistan are peace-loving and deeply connected to their culture.
Today, Lahore is cited as an example everywhere and has transformed into a city of lights, and the credit for this transformation goes to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz.
Maryam Nawaz successfully showcased Pakistan as a beautiful, colourful, and joyful nation on the international stage. The idea of reviving Basant belonged to Mian Nawaz Sharif, but it was Maryam Nawaz who practically implemented it. Under the auspices of the Punjab Information and Culture Department, three-day Basant festivities were organized at Delhi Gate Lahore, which were attended by foreign diplomats, members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, and ministers. Prominent and well-known actors from the showbiz industry, especially from Karachi and other cities, participated and added great charm to the event, while a large number of citizens also attended throughout the three days.
Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari personally welcomed guests for all three days. She was accompanied continuously by Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani, DGPR Sheikh Farid Ahmed, and Executive Director Alhamra Nawaz Gondal.
Although kite flying arrangements were made on many rooftops across Lahore, the three-day program organised by the Information and Culture Department received appreciation at every level. From this very rooftop, Minister Azma Bokhari formally inaugurated Basant by flying a kite.
On the first day, members of the assemblies and a large number of citizens attended the program. Twenty representatives from international media houses were also specially invited, who provided extensive coverage of the festival and enjoyed the event. Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani and Member Samiullah Khan also turned out to be enthusiastic kite flyers, competing several times in friendly kite-flying duels. Later at night, Samiullah Khan and Education Minister Rana Sikandar also engaged in kite-flying competitions. Provincial Ministers Ramesh Singh, Sohaib Bharth, and Zeeshan Malik also participated.
A music concert was arranged on the first day in which singer Humaira Arshad captivated the audience and provided excellent entertainment, with citizens dancing to her songs. On the second day, Acting U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker attended as a special guest, accompanied by Deputy Assistant Secretary John Mark, Consul General Stetson Sanders, Sadaf Saad, and Political Officer John Skerry. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb was also present with them. Minister Azma Bokhari welcomed the guests, while Provincial Minister for Communications Sohaib Bharth was also present. Natalie Baker thanked the Punjab government for allowing Basant and attended the program wearing a yellow shirt. Guests were served traditional Lahori cuisine. Showbiz stars from Karachi and other cities also joined the Basant celebrations at Delhi Gate.
Among the participants were renowned Pakistani actors Yasir Hussain, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Mohib Mirza, Amna Ilyas, Juggun Kazim, Ali Zargoon, Faryal Khan, Gauhar, and Adil. Actors Adil and Amna Ilyas openly expressed admiration for Maryam Nawaz. Pakistani artists described Lahore and Basant as inseparable. Mikaal Zulfiqar said that as a Lahori, Basant runs in his blood and thanked Maryam Nawaz and the Punjab government for reviving the festival. Actor Adil stated that Maryam Nawaz had made him her fan. It was reported that merely allowing Basant to generate revenue of 350 million.
Yasir Hussain thanked the Punjab government, the Chief Minister, and Minister Azma Bokhari for organizing the beautiful event and said he had specially come from Karachi to celebrate Basant. Mohib Mirza said that on his way through the streets of Lahore, he saw colours and festivities everywhere.
On the third day, several families from the United States and the United Kingdom arrived at Delhi Gate to celebrate Basant. Singer Nadeem Abbas Lonewala created a lively atmosphere with his performances, and people danced enthusiastically. Citizens standing on nearby rooftops also enjoyed the live concert. Later, singers Fariha Pervez and Bilal Saeed performed. Theatre artists, including Naseem Vicky, Iftikhar Thakur, Agha Majid, Ruby Anam, and others, entertained the audience with dance and performances. Singer and actress Meha G also received great appreciation for her new Basant song.
Minister Azma Bokhari thanked the citizens of Lahore for making Basant successful. She stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had provided a beautiful occasion of happiness to the people of Lahore as well as the entire country. Many overseas Pakistanis and families came to Pakistan solely to celebrate Basant. After completing all preparations, the Punjab government permitted the celebrations, and the citizens demonstrated responsibility by celebrating a safe Basant.
People of all ages flew kites from every rooftop, proving that they are peaceful and joyful people. The public rejected the politics of hatred and unrest and chose happiness and togetherness. Due to this single decision, Maryam Nawaz received appreciation across the country. The way people celebrated Basant showed that they are tired of violence and negativity and desire healthy recreation and quality time with their families, which Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz provided.
Basant generated substantial revenue and created employment opportunities for thousands. According to careful estimates, billions of rupees circulated in the economy because of the festival. People spent generously and celebrated wholeheartedly.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also thanked the citizens of Lahore for ensuring a safe and successful Basant. Mian Nawaz Sharif personally attended the event and formally endorsed its success, as the idea of reviving Basant originated from him.
Nawaz Sharif remains committed to restoring Punjab’s culture, and his daughter, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, is putting that mission into action. The warm welcome extended by the people of Lahore to guests from across Pakistan and many other countries once again proved their hospitality. Today, Lahore is cited as an example everywhere and has transformed into a city of lights, and the credit for this transformation goes to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz.
The writer is Punjab’s Minister for Information and Culture.