LAHORE — Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Nawaz Sharif is set to join select Basant celebrations in Lahore’s Walled City, spending a day with longtime friends as the centuries-old spring festival returns after a 25-year hiatus. Party leaders say the revival reflects Punjab’s cultural heritage and is expected to support local economic activity.

Sharif’s participation comes as authorities and the provincial government oversee organised Basant events scheduled from February 6 to 8 across Lahore and other cities. The festival’s return marks a significant moment for residents and traders in historic neighbourhoods, particularly in the Walled City, where Basant has deep cultural roots.

Punjab restores Basant in 2026 after nearly two decades of ban

According to party officials, Sharif plans to revisit familiar areas of the Walled City, recalling memories tied to Lahore’s traditional life. Having grown up in the area, he has publicly described Basant as an important symbol of Punjab’s seasonal and cultural identity. He has also held meetings with cultural stakeholders in recent months to support a regulated and safer celebration.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the Basant festival had been revived after 25 years on Sharif’s directives, as part of a broader effort to restore traditional sports and cultural events in Punjab. Speaking during a visit to Lahore’s Mochi Gate, she said the provincial government had worked to facilitate celebrations while prioritising public safety.

Aurangzeb said Maryam Nawaz had overseen the revival of Basant alongside plans to bring back other cultural events, including Mela Chiraghan and the Horse and Cattle Show. She added that Sharif had expressed satisfaction over the festival’s restoration and had encouraged further steps to expand public recreation.

Officials said Basant celebrations would not be limited to Lahore, with events also planned in Gujranwala, Faisalabad and other cities. Aurangzeb acknowledged a rise in kite prices due to increased demand and said shopkeepers had been urged to keep rates affordable. District authorities have also been instructed to monitor pricing.

To ensure safety, she said 500 checkpoints would be set up across Lahore during the three-day festival, and protective rods on motorcycles would be mandatory. Authorities warned that action would be taken against violations of safety rules.

The provincial government has also announced free transport during Basant days, including electric buses, metro buses, the Orange Line train and rickshaws operated by online transport companies, to facilitate public movement during celebrations.