LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed gratitude over the successful organization of the Basant Festival and lauded the administration, police, and 15 departments for their collective efforts. Addressing a high-level meeting here on Monday, she also thanked former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for envisioning festivals as a means to unite people and promote joy. CM Maryam Nawaz said the three-day Basant festival revived Punjab’s cultural heritage and brought happiness to Lahore and across Pakistan. She expressed grief over the Islamabad bombing incident that led to the cancellation of some activities and reiterated the government’s resolve to confront terrorism while ensuring public safety. The CM praised citizens for adhering to safety measures, noting that around 9,000 to 10,000 motorcycles were geo-tagged and fitted with safety rods voluntarily. She said traffic management remained exemplary despite one million vehicles entering Lahore and 2.6 million people benefiting from free transport. She also highlighted that no incidents of harassment or throat-slitting from kite strings were reported. APP
