Lahore, Feb 8, 2026 — Basant celebrations in Lahore were extended until 5:00 am on Sunday after record crowds and traffic were reported across the city, with authorities saying around 900,000 vehicles entered Lahore during the festival period. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the extension, citing strong public participation and compliance with safety measures.
Punjab restores Basant in 2026 after nearly two decades of ban
In a statement posted on X, the chief minister said the decision to extend festivities was taken in recognition of what she described as disciplined celebrations by residents. She urged citizens to continue observing safety guidelines, including avoiding electricity wires, ensuring rooftop safety, and following official Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Officials said the revival of Basant under strict regulations marked one of the busiest weekends for the city in recent years, reflecting both public enthusiasm and heightened mobility across Lahore.
Heavy traffic and record public transport use
Authorities reported that approximately 900,000 vehicles entered Lahore over three days as Basant activities peaked. Public transport usage also reached record levels after the provincial government announced free travel on several services for the duration of the festival.
According to transport officials, nearly 1.4 million passengers used government-run transport systems over two days, including the Orange Line Metro Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Feeder buses, electric feeder routes, and Green Electric Buses. More than 600,000 passengers travelled on the Orange Line Metro Train alone over Friday and Saturday, while other services collectively carried hundreds of thousands of commuters.
Officials said 419 buses remained operational on the final day of Basant to facilitate free travel across the city and manage increased demand.
Safety measures and official assessment
Maryam Nawaz earlier praised the public for adhering to safety protocols, saying there were no reports of banned kite strings being used during the celebrations. She said the absence of metallic wires helped prevent damage to electricity transformers and reduced safety risks.
Officials said the “safe Basant” model implemented in Lahore could be considered for other cities, based on the outcome of the festival and compliance levels observed.
Foreign envoys join Basant celebrations
The festival also drew international attention, with diplomats from the United States and the United Kingdom taking part in Basant activities in Lahore. The US delegation was led by Deputy Chief of Mission Natalie Baker and included US Consul General Stetson Sanders and Deputy Assistant Secretary John Mark Pommersheim.
UK Ambassador to Pakistan Jane Marriott also attended the celebrations. Provincial ministers, including Marriyum Aurangzeb, Azma Zahid Bokhari, and Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharath, welcomed the visiting delegations. Diplomats joined local residents in kite flying and interacted with participants, officials said.
Authorities described the festival as a major cultural event marked by high turnout, tight monitoring, and an emphasis on public safety.
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