Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said on Thursday that the provincial government would extend the Basant festival across Punjab if it proved successful in Lahore this year, strictly in line with the approved standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Speaking on Samaa TV programme 'Red Line with Talat', she said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had become associated only with rhetoric and unrest. She questioned why the PTI leaders appeared opposed to public happiness, adding that whenever people began to enjoy themselves, the party surfaced with calls for disorder.
Azma Bokhari said abusive campaigns had been launched on social media against Lahorites during the festive activity. She said that those who rarely left their homes were now appearing on the streets with kites in hand. She added that weekly calls outside Adiala Jail failed to attract crowds, while the public wished to move away from agitation and tension.
The information minister said PTI activists had faced public rejection, particularly where they attempted to shut down shops. She said traders tore up their pamphlets and made it clear that their priority was business, not political calls. She added that the outcome of the party’s latest appeal would mirror previous failures.
Azma Bokhari said certain political elements remained troubled by every positive development in Pakistan. She alleged that PTI leader Azhar Siddique had filed a petition against Basant, yet was later seen purchasing kites the same evening at Mochi Gate. She said video evidence of the incident was available.
She said the public did not support sit-ins, long marches or unrest, adding that some groups wished to keep society in a constant state of agitation.
Later, the minister said society was becoming tired and unhealthy, and stressed the need for a fresh-minded social environment. She said the level of public enthusiasm surrounding Basant had exceeded expectations.
According to her, kites and strings worth more than Rs1.2 billion were sold, while business activity increased across 12 to 15 sectors. She said the festival had remained banned for years due to past irresponsibility. Azma Bokhari added that offensive language had no place in society, saying that Generation Z had also shown strong interest in the festival.
She said kite string had previously posed the greatest danger, adding that authorities were aware of those involved in kite manufacturing. She said rooftop surveillance would be conducted through drones to ensure safety.
