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Punjab Government has announced to lift the 12-years old ban imposed on Basant celebrations. Provincial Information Minister, Fayazul Hasan Chohan said in a press conference on Tuesday that Basant will be celebrated in Lahore in the second week of February. Chohan added that a committee comprising Punjab Law Minister, Provincial Secretary, and other administration officials will be formed to look into the negative aspects of the festival and how it can be avoided.
“The Supreme Court in its order had clarified that there was no restriction on holding the Basant festival and that it should be celebrated while staying within the ambit of law, as well as the rules and regulations defined by the government,” said Chohan while talking to a media personnel. Fayazaul Hasan Chohan has also added that people were demanding to lift the ban for quite some time.
Keeping this in mind, Chief Minister of Punjab Usman Buzdar had said that it is a cultural event and people should celebrate it as per rules and regulations of the state. ‘Basant Festival has no relation to the religion, it is for enjoyment’, Chohan conveyed the message of CM Punjab to the locals.
As soon as the Punjab Government lift the ban, people appreciated and consider it as one of the positive initiatives by PTI led government. And yes, there are haters too who want to ban this completely ‘unreligious’ event in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Festival Of Kites Is Coming!
Guess what! #NayaPakistan is bringing back #Basant !!!#Lahore are you ready for the festival of kites 😉
This is #NayaPakistan #PMImranKhan pic.twitter.com/wnf9epKJpO— Anila Khawaja (@anilakhawaja) December 19, 2018
Even Pakistani Celebrities Are Happy With The Decision!
Also hearing BASANT is coming back….well done Punjab….time to bring colors back to life….
— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) December 18, 2018
Thank you, Imran Khan!
In 30 minutes, I read 3 different news of varying importance but with one common factor: positivity and change.
1) Pakistan helping in the US-Afghan dialogue
2) Resumption of British Airways flights to Pakistan
3) Basant in Lahore
Thank you, Prime Minister Imran Khan
— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) December 18, 2018
This Is Rude!
As a population control method, the govt has unbanned Basant after 12 years.
— Usman (@mindblabber) December 19, 2018
History Of Basant According To Orya Maqbool Jaan
#Basant
History of this festival must listen pic.twitter.com/4OzjCnOuWF— NB (@fbhatti30) December 19, 2018
Some People Have Filed Complain Against Basant!
I have submit the compliant at the PM’s citizens app…
Not a festival just bloody event
Hate #Basant pic.twitter.com/SBoGQ5d9oQ— خواجہ صاحب (@KhWasim2) December 18, 2018
Do You Agree With Him?
بسنت کا تہوار حکومتی سرپرستی میں منانے پر حکومت سے کُچھ سوالات اگر تفریح یہ کاروبار ہی مقصد ہے تو ہوائی فائرنگ اور نشے کی اجازت بھی دے دی جائے اُس سے بھی تفریح ہوتی ہے کاروبار جُڑا ہے لوگوں گا ایسی ہندوؤں والی فضول رسمیں اور تہوار کسی صورت قابلِ قبول نہیں ہیں ۔ pic.twitter.com/612U7IlWEh
— زوہیب خٹک (@OfficialZohaibK) December 20, 2018
However, Advocate Safdar Shaheed Pirzada challenged the Punjab Government’s decision on Basant in court. He said in his application that the festival is nothing but a “blood sport”. He also claimed that the government is diverting the attention of the public from other major issues. It may be noted that in both of the tenures of ex-Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Basant was banned.
Are you going to fly the kite on this Basant? Or do you want the Punjab Government to ban it once again? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
