The vibrant spirit of Basant once again transformed Lahore into a city of colors and celebration. 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.
Acting U.S. 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 Maryam Aurangzeb and Provincial Minister Sohaib Bharth were also present on the occasion. The event was attended by U.S. 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 Government of Punjab 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 artists appreciated the vibrant atmosphere of Lahore and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz for reviving Basant, describing Lahore and Basant as inseparable.
Actor Mikaal Zulfiqar remarked that Lahore has awakened once again with its beautiful colors 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 Minister Azma Bokhari for organizing a wonderful cultural program and said that Lahore truly lives up to its reputation as a city of lively people. Actor Mohib Mirza shared that wherever he traveled in Lahore, he witnessed the colorful excitement of Basant.
During the event, both local and international guests and artists fully participated in the festivities and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting Lahore’s rich cultural traditions on a global stage.
Meanwhile, on the occasion of Basant festival, the US Ambassador Consul General and Under Secretary participated in kite flying activities hosted by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
The US diplomatic delegation highly appreciated the Lahore cuisine, culture, historical heritage and hospitality. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that cultural activities are an effective means of bringing nations closer and Pakistan sends a message of friendship, peace and harmony through its traditions.
She said that festivals like Basant highlight Pakistan’s positive and peaceful identity to the world. During the event, Marriyum Aurangzeb introduced the US diplomatic delegation to traditional kite flying, while matters of mutual interest were also discussed in an informal and friendly atmosphere.
She said that such opportunities play an important role in promoting mutual trust and bilateral relations. According to the senior minister, Pakistan is connected to the world with its culture, hospitality, and message of peace and cultural diplomacy further strengthens this connection.