Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the extension was granted after the magnificent Basant celebrations, festivities, unity, and joy witnessed in Lahore, Punjab, and across Pakistan – which have returned after 25 years.
لاہور، پنجاب اور پورے پاکستان میں بسنت کی شاندار تقاریب، جشن، اتحاد اور خوشیوں کو دیکھتے ہوئے، جو 25 سال بعد لوٹی ہیں، مجھے یہ اعلان کرتے ہوئے خوشی ہو رہی ہے کہ بسنت کی تقریبات کا وقت کل صبح 5:00 بجے تک بڑھا دیا گیا ہے۔ 🪁
یہ توسیع لاہور کے عوام کے لیے انعام ہے جنہوں نے بسنت کو…
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 8, 2026
The extension was a reward for the people of Lahore, who celebrated Basant with full discipline and responsibly adhered to all safety standard operating procedures (SOPs), she said.
“Please continue the celebrations safely, stay away from electricity wires, secure your rooftops, and follow all instructions. Let us make this historic Basant pleasant, safe, and memorable for everyone,” the chief minister stated.
Praising Lahore’s residents, Maryam said, “Well done Lahore, I am happy that the people of Lahore upheld our trust.”
Read: Final day of Basant in Lahore promises good kite-flying conditions
“Lahore is very happy today, and I am also very happy. The people of Lahore played an important role in celebrating a safe Basant by following rules and regulations; the concept of a joyful yet safe Basant was fully embraced.”
She added that no reports were received of the use of a banned string apart from the prescribed size and approved string. Basant was celebrated safely on rooftops in accordance with SOPs, the chief minister stated, with transformers across Lahore remaining safe due to the non-use of metallic wire.
Precautionary measures on rooftops proved effective, the chief minister said, announcing that the concept of Safe Basant will be adopted in other cities after Lahore. The government also deployed 200 Clinics on Wheels and 21 field hospitals in Liberty, the Walled City, and other areas to ensure public safety during the festivities.
Read More: US, UK envoys join Basant celebrations in Lahore
“Today is the last day of the Basant festival. The public should not abandon caution,” Maryam said.
Notably, the Punjab government had cancelled all Basant-related events on Saturday, following the deadly blast at an imambargah in Islamabad on Friday. The chief minister said the decision was taken to express solidarity with the victims and their families during what she termed a national tragedy.