Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid a surprise visit to Liberty Chowk and Mochi Gate on Thursday, engaging directly with citizens and expressing warmth toward children amid Basant celebrations.
A large crowd gathered as Maryam arrived, and she spent time speaking with citizens, taking selfies, and directing her security personnel to step aside to allow her free interaction with the public. She expressed delight upon seeing a young girl in a yellow shirt and shook hands with her. Another child exchanged greetings with the chief minister, while a citizen carrying an infant received her blessings.
During her visit, citizens praised the chief minister’s performance, with one noting widespread appreciation for her work, while another expressed hope that she would visit Karachi as well.
Addressing safety concerns, the CM instructed a motorcyclist riding without a safety rod to have it installed, emphasizing that the safety rod is intended to protect the public and could be installed free of cost at designated camps. She clarified that motorcycles were not banned during Basant but warned that those without safety rods would be impounded. She reiterated that all necessary measures were being implemented to ensure citizens’ safety during the festivities.
After Liberty Chowk, the chief minister visited Mochi Gate to review Basant preparations. Responding to a citizen’s query, she said, “The people of Lahore are celebrating, and their happiness is a source of satisfaction for me,” adding that festivities had returned to the city after a long hiatus.
Citizens expressed excitement over the permission to celebrate Basant, with many noting that Lahoris are remembering former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during the celebrations.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken notice of an incident in Rawalpindi in which a young girl was injured due to a kite string and sought a detailed report from the Commissioner Rawalpindi.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the chief minister reiterated that Basant will be celebrated only in Lahore, while kite flying remains strictly banned across the rest of Punjab. She emphasized that the use of prohibited and dangerous kite string must not be allowed to turn a festival of happiness into a tragedy.
She directed the authorities to ensure strict enforcement of the law and ordered strict action against those involved in the use and sale of banned kite string to safeguard public lives.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited the residence of Captain Muhammad Ali Qureshi Shaheed and met with his family to offer condolences and express sympathy.
Captain Muhammad Ali Qureshi embraced martyrdom on August 22, 2024, while fighting against Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan in Kulpor, Balochistan.
Paying tribute to the martyr’s bravery and services, the chief minister said the sacrifices of officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army in the fight against terrorism are commendable and will always be remembered. She lauded the armed forces’ unwavering efforts to eliminate terrorism from the country.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif also appreciated the spirit of patriotism displayed by the martyr’s family and assured them that the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with them.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari and Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman were also present during the condolence visit.
Children from the neighbourhood also gathered at the residence, and the chief minister expressed affection and kindness towards them.