CM Maryam cancels Basant events following Imambargah blast in Islamabad

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday canceled all her Basant-related engagements following a suicide attack 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 imambargah area of ​​Tarlai on Friday, claiming the lives of at least 31 devotees 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 tragedy in Islamabad, I am canceling all my Basant related activities which were planned for tomorrow. The Basant mega show at Liberty Square is also cancelled,” she said.

Calling for national resolve 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 with the armed forces to defend the country.

She also urged citizens to remain united and undivided, stressing the need to eradicate terrorism and reclaim peace and happiness from the clutches of attackers.

“This is our country and we must be committed to protecting it from attackers. This is also our job. Rising to the challenge,” the chief minister said.

In a similar move, the Sindh government also canceled the musical portion 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 of X.

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

“We share the pain of the bereaved families. The dinner will take place simply, without music, out of respect for the victims and our national grief,” added Memon.

The three-day Basant festival officially began today, with Lahore shifting into festive mode, its skyline pierced with kites and its streets awash with color, anticipation and tightly managed order, marking the festival’s return after nearly two decades.

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

Fireworks lit up the night sky after midnight, kites rose from rooftops and music drifted across the walled city and beyond, into the city long known as the home of “patang-baaz,” kite flyers by instinct.

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

The national mood turned gloomy after the horrific attack which drew condemnations from across the political spectrum and from several embassies and foreign countries.