ISLAMABAD: Senior journalist Hamid Mir on Wednesday said the Punjab government’s decision to hold Basant celebrations was aimed at diluting the impact of a protest announced by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for February 8.

Speaking on his talk show Capital Talk aired on Geo News, Mir said the timing of the festival, scheduled for February 6, 7 and 8, coincided with the planned PTI protest and was politically significant.

The Punjab government has formally announced large-scale Basant celebrations in Lahore, declaring public holidays across the province during the festival period. Authorities have promoted the event as a cultural revival, accompanied by extensive administrative arrangements and public facilitation measures.

As part of these preparations, the provincial government has partnered with ride-hailing services InDrive and Yango to provide free transport in Lahore during Basant.

Punjab rolls out free Basant rides in Lahore as kite trade crosses Rs540 million

Under the plan, around 180,000 free rickshaw and cab rides will be offered across 24 major routes between February 6 and 8, with officials saying the initiative is aimed at easing traffic congestion, addressing parking issues and improving public safety during large gatherings.

Economic activity linked to the festival has also surged. According to estimates released by the Parks and Horticulture Authority, kite and string sales crossed Rs540 million within three days after regulated sales were allowed, reflecting strong public participation ahead of the celebrations.

Mir, during the programme, linked the scale and timing of these arrangements to the broader political context surrounding the February 8 protest call.

No immediate response was available from the Punjab government regarding the remarks made during the broadcast.