CM Maryam cancels Basant events after imambargah blast in Islamabad

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday canceled all her Basant-related engagements following a suicide blast at an imambargah in Islamabad on Friday that killed at least 31 people and injured dozens.

Police and administration officials confirmed that a massive bomb ripped through the Tarlai area of ​​Imambargah on Friday, claiming the lives of at least 31 worshipers and injuring 169.

In posts on X, CM Maryam condemned the incident and announced cancellation of all her Basant-related engagements for Saturday.

“In the wake of the Islamabad tragedy, I will be canceling all my Basant-related activities that were scheduled for tomorrow. Basant’s mega show at Freedom Square is also cancelled,” he said.

Calling for a national resolution against terrorism, the Chief Minister said it was imperative for the nation to remain united against terrorists and their “sympathizers”, show them no mercy and stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in defense of the country.

He also urged citizens to remain united and undivided, highlighting the need to eradicate terrorism and regain peace and happiness from the clutches of aggressors.

“This is our country and we must promise to protect it from aggressors. It is also our job. Let us accept the challenge,” the prime minister said.

In a similar gesture, the Sindh government also canceled the musical segment of the cultural evening planned in honor of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Association, in solidarity with the families of those killed in Islamabad.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced the development in X.

“In solidarity with the families of the martyrs in today’s tragic blast in Islamabad, the PPP government of Sindh has decided to cancel the musical segment of the cultural evening planned in honor of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians’ Association,” he said.

“We share the pain of the grieving families. The dinner will be held in a simple manner, without music, out of respect for the victims and our national pain,” Memon added.

The three-day Basant festival officially began today, with Lahore entering festive mode, its skyline pierced by soaring kites and streets awash with colour, anticipation and strict order, marking the return of the festival after almost two decades.

Read: Lahore erupts with ‘bo-kata’ sounds as Basant returns

Fireworks lit up the night sky after midnight, kites soared from rooftops and music floated across the Walled City and beyond in the city long known as the home of the ‘patang-baaz’ – instinctive kite flyers.

Markets traditionally associated with Basant, such as Mochi Gate, Delhi Gate, Shah Alam Market and Anarkali, remained packed late into the night as shoppers stocked up on kites, reels, fairy lights and festive decorations.

The national mood turned somber after the horrific attack that drew condemnation from across the political spectrum and from multiple embassies and foreign countries.