Maryam Nawaz calls off Basant events after Islamabad attack
“Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz cancelled her scheduled Basant activities after the Islamabad imambargah bombing, saying public celebrations should pause in mourning.”
Key points
- Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz cancelled her scheduled Basant activities after the Islamabad imambargah bombing, saying public celebrations should pause in mourning.
- Sindh also removed music from an official event out of respect for victims.
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced she is cancelling all of her Basant-related activities scheduled for Saturday, citing the deadly suicide bombing at an Islamabad imambargah that left dozens dead and injured.
In a message posted on X, the chief minister said the planned mega Basant show at Liberty Square would not go ahead in light of the attack in Islamabad’s Tarlai area. She urged national unity against militant violence and called for solidarity with Pakistan’s armed forces.
The decision came as the three-day Basant festival began in Lahore following the lifting of a long-running ban, with authorities enforcing safety measures aimed at preventing kite-flying accidents.
Maryam Nawaz’s announcement was followed by a similar move in Sindh, where the provincial government cancelled the musical segment of a Cultural Night event being held for the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Association. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the programme would proceed without music out of respect for the victims.
Officials said the Islamabad attack occurred during Friday prayers at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra. Security agencies continued investigations while hospitals treated the injured and emergency services remained on high alert.
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