Has Basant been Cancelled in Pakistan?

The question of whether Basant stands cancelled in Pakistan emerged after a deadly Islamabad blast reshaped the national mood overnight.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, on February 6, 2026, cancelled all Basant-related engagements following the attack at an imambargah.

Police officials confirmed that a powerful explosion ripped through the Tarlai area imambargah, killing at least 31 worshippers.

Dozens more were injured in the blast, leaving hospitals overwhelmed and families struggling to process the loss.

In a message posted on X, Maryam Nawaz condemned the attack and announced immediate cancellations of scheduled celebrations.

“In the wake of the Islamabad tragedy, I am cancelling all my Basant-related activities that were scheduled for tomorrow.”

She further confirmed: “The mega Basant show at the Liberty Square also stands cancelled.”

The chief minister stressed that moments of national grief demanded restraint, unity, and a collective refusal to normalise violence.

“This is our country and we must vow to protect it from the assailants.”

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari later confirmed that all Basant activities planned for February 7, 2026, were formally cancelled.

Addressing concerns about morale, Bokhari said: “We are not the ones who get scared.”

She added that attempts to tarnish Pakistan’s positive image would fail, emphasising continued national resolve against extremism.

In a parallel move, the Sindh government cancelled the musical segment of a cultural night planned in Karachi.

The event was scheduled to honour the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Association and was meant to showcase regional culture.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced the decision publicly, citing solidarity with grieving Islamabad families.

“We share the pain of the bereaved families.”

These decisions came as the three-day Basant festival officially began, reviving Lahore’s skyline after nearly two decades.

Before news of the blast spread, kites filled the skies while fireworks and music animated the Walled City streets.

Markets at Mochi Gate, Delhi Gate, Shah Alam Market, and Anarkali remained packed late into the night.

Buyers stocked kites, spools, lights, and decorations, reflecting the excitement surrounding Basant’s carefully regulated return.

Lahore, long known as the home of ‘patang-baaz’, briefly reclaimed its festive identity amid tight security arrangements.

However, the national atmosphere shifted dramatically as condemnations poured in from political leaders and foreign embassies.

What began as a celebration of colour and heritage quickly transformed into a moment of collective mourning.

While Basant itself has not been entirely cancelled nationwide, official celebrations have been paused out of respect.