As people in Punjab are all set to celebrate the long-awaited Basant, officials stated that the notification circulating on social media regarding a four-day holiday is fake.
A notification which went viral online claimed that the government of Punjab has notified a four-day holiday for Basand across the province.
Reacting to the notification, Punjab Minister Azma Zahid Bokhari denied the reports, saying that “No such notification has been issued yet, this is fake.”
CM Maryam announces four holidays this week for Punjab
People across Punjab will enjoy a long weekend with four consecutive holidays announced by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
In a post on her social media handles, CM Maryam shared the good news regarding the public holidays across Punjab. She said that “Punjab will enjoy a long weekend with Kashmir Day on February 5, a provincial Basant holiday on the 6th, followed by Saturday and Sunday.”
“We hope people across Punjab take this time to relax, recharge, and make the most of the break,” Maryam Nawaz stated.
Holiday in Punjab on Feb 6
The Punjab government declared February 6 a public holiday in Lahore on the occasion of Basant, allowing citizens to participate in the traditional spring festival, according to media reports. The decision was made following a proposal from the district administration.
Under the instructions of the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore, children under 18 will be able to celebrate Basant with their families, ensuring that the festivities are conducted in a safe and orderly manner.
The government and relevant departments have pledged to provide citizens with a smooth and enjoyable festival experience.
Free transport for Basant
The Punjab government earlier finalised a comprehensive transport plan to offer free public travel across Lahore. The free transport will be available during the three-day Basant celebrations.
The plan has received formal approval from the Lahore Division commissioner and will be implemented from February 6 to 8. Under the arrangement, residents will be able to travel free of cost on major services, including the Metro Bus and Orange Line Metro Train, along with a wide network of feeder buses and rickshaws.
Officials say the initiative is being carried out jointly by Punjab Mass Transit Authority, Punjab Transport Company, and private ride-hailing partners.
Basant three-day celebration
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has earlier approved a three-day Basant Festival, set to take place from February 6 to 8.
In a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, key decisions regarding the festival were finalised. Speaking at the meeting, Maryam Nawaz emphasised her goal of restoring joy to the people of Punjab, noting that conflicts and disputes have long deprived citizens of entertainment.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the revival of horse and cattle shows in Punjab after a 30-year hiatus, stating that everyone has the right to celebrate freely regardless of religion.
“This is everyone’s province. People of all faiths have the right to celebrate Eid, Holi, Christmas, and Ramadan,” she said. She added that Basant, which has an 800-year history, is a cornerstone of Punjab’s cultural heritage and is celebrated and respected worldwide.
For the first time, the government will sponsor and organise the Basant Festival to ensure safety and order. To prevent accidents, a comprehensive safety plan has been implemented. Lahore has been divided into red, yellow, and green zones, and free safety rods will be installed on one million motorcycles.
In addition, 2,150 manufacturers, traders, shopkeepers, and other stakeholders have been registered for the festival. More than 10,000 surety bonds have been obtained to guarantee public safety.
The Basant Festival, which marks the arrival of spring, is set to bring the city together for a celebration of culture, tradition, and community after decades of restrictions
