LAHORE:The vibrant spirit of Basant once again transformed Lahore into a City of colours and celebrations.
The Basant festivities held at Delhi Gate witnessed enthusiastic participation from Lahoris, foreign diplomats and prominent stars from the entertainment industry, making the event a lively cultural spectacle. According to a press release, Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker attended the celebrations at Delhi Gate to experience Basant firsthand. She was warmly received by Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Provincial Minister Sohaib Bharth were also present on the occasion. The event was attended by US Deputy Assistant Secretary John Mark, Consul General Stetson Sanders, Sadaf Saad, Political Officer John Skeri, and Saad Sarfaraz. Dressed in a yellow shirt reflecting the festive spirit, Natalie Baker thanked the Punjab government for permitting the Basant celebrations and was treated to traditional Lahori cuisine. Prominent showbiz personalities from Karachi and abroad also joined the celebrations, including actors Yasir Hussain, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Adeel, Mohib Mirza, Juggun Kazim, Ali Zarghoon, Faryal Khan, actress Gauhar, and actress Aamna. The artistes appreciated the vibrant atmosphere of Lahore and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for reviving Basant, describing Lahore and Basant as inseparable.
Actor Mikaal Zulfiqar remarked that Lahore has awakened once again with its beautiful colours and expressed happiness over the festival’s return. Actor Adeel stated that he has become a fan of Maryam Nawaz and credited the chief minister entirely for the revival of Basant, adding that the festival generated approximately PKR 350 million in revenue. Actor Yasir Hussain thanked Information Minister Azma Bokhari for organising a wonderful cultural programme and said that Lahore truly lives up to its reputation as a city of lively people. Actor Mohib Mirza shared that wherever he travelled in Lahore, he witnessed the colourful excitement of Basant.
During the event, both local and international guests and artistes fully participated in the festivities and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting Lahore’s rich cultural traditions on a global stage.
