Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz cancels Basant events following Islamabad suicide blast

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the cancellation of all Basant-related events in the province following the suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the chief minister said that in view of the Islamabad tragedy, all Basant activities scheduled for the following day had been cancelled.

She confirmed that the mega Basant show planned at Liberty Square would also not take place.

Maryam Nawaz stressed the need for national unity, stating that the country must remain united against what she described as the menace of extremist elements and their sympathisers, and that no leniency should be shown.

She added that the nation must stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in defence of the country.

It may be recalled that the Punjab government had earlier announced Basant celebrations across the province from 6 to 8 February, with a central event scheduled for 7 February at Liberty Chowk, Lahore, and citizens had been invited to participate.

Basant celebrations had already begun in Lahore on Wednesday night, with kite-flying activities taking place across the city.

However, despite claims by the administration of comprehensive safety arrangements, one

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