Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday announced the cancellation of all Basant-related engagements scheduled for Saturday, following a devastating suicide bombing in Islamabad that resulted in significant loss of life.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the chief minister confirmed that the mega Basant show planned at Liberty Square has been officially called off.
She said the decision was taken in light of the tragic incident that occurred inside an imam bargah in the Tarlai area of the federal capital, where dozens of worshippers were targeted during Friday prayers.Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Maryam Nawaz emphasized the need for national unity in the face of terrorism.
She stated that it is essential for the entire nation to stand firmly against the Khawarji terrorists and those who facilitate or sympathize with them. The chief minister reiterated that no mercy should be shown to such elements and stressed the importance of standing shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan’s Armed Forces to safeguard the country’s security and sovereignty.
The three-day Basant festival officially began on Friday in Lahore after the Punjab government lifted a ban that had been in place for more than two decades.
Authorities had implemented strict safety measures to prevent kite-flying-related accidents and ensure public safety during the celebrations. However, in view of the tragic developments in Islamabad, the chief minister chose to suspend her participation in the festivities as a mark of respect and solidarity with the victims.
Maryam Nawaz’s move followed a similar decision by the Sindh government, which cancelled the musical segment of the Cultural Night organized for the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Association. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that while the dinner in honor of the visiting delegates would still take place, it would be held without music out of respect for those who lost their lives in the Islamabad attack According to officials, at least 31 people were martyred and 169 others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber detonated himself inside Imam bargah Khadijah al-Kubra during Friday prayers.
The explosion occurred in Islamabad’s Tarlai area and caused widespread panic and devastation. Eyewitnesses said that the attacker was stopped by security personnel at the entrance of the mosque. They said the terrorists initially opened fire before carrying out the suicide attack. The main door of the imam bargah is reportedly located approximately 30 meters from the gate. When guards attempted to intercept the suspect at the main gate, an exchange of fire took place.
According to witnesses, the attacker then managed to move around 20 meters inside the premises while prayers were ongoing, before detonating the explosives he was carrying. The incident has once again raised serious concerns about security at religious gatherings and underscored the ongoing threat posed by terrorist networks across the country.
