Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) leader Shandana Gulzar Khan has come under strong criticism after her remarks about Lahore residents celebrating Basant went viral.
Her harsh comments about the people of Lahore have sparked debate on social media and have drawn reactions from both supporters and critics.
When asked about PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan’s statement that “Lahoris cannot be stopped from celebrating Basant,” Shandana Gulzar Khan responded, “Lahore residents have no sense of shame. I am sorry, I have great respect for Aleema Khan, but the people celebrating during funerals should drown in shame. They should die.”
Her remarks were linked to the timing of the celebrations. Basant in Lahore took place on the same day as the funerals of worshippers who were killed in a bomb blast attack in the outskirts of Rawalpindi, in Tarlai, on February 6.
Netizens react
Public reaction to Shandana’s statement remained divided. Many people criticised her strongly.
One social media user said, “Such hateful language is unacceptable. Lahore is the heart of Pakistan, not a target for vile propaganda.”
“Lahorion ko mar jana chahiye” Shandana Gulzar.
— Sidra Aslam🇵🇰 (@SidraAslamOff) February 11, 2026
Such hateful language is unacceptable. Lahore is the heart of Pakistan, not a target for vile propaganda.
Insha’Allah, this politics of hate will end soon.
Lahore Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad 🇵🇰 https://t.co/6h5uj5d7VK
One user posted, “’Lahorion Ko Mar Jana Chaiye – Shandana Gulzar, PTI. What a disgusting statement. Lahore, Pakistan ka DILL hai. Inshallah, PTI’s propaganda will end very soon. Lahore Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad!”
“Lahorion Ko Mar Jana Chaiye” – Shandana Gulzar, PTI. What a disgusting statement. Lahore Pakistan ka DILL hai. Inshallah, PTI’s propaganda will end very soon. Lahore Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad! 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/gcjqHg8tlS
— Saad Kaiser 🇵🇰 (@TheSaadKaiser) February 10, 2026
PTI vs PTI?
The debate also highlighted different views within PTI. Aleema Khan said Basant is fine and should not be criticised. Shandana Gulzar said Lahoris should feel ashamed for celebrating.
PTI vs PTI: Aleema Khan says Basant is a right and should not be criticised, while Shandana Gulzar says Lahoris should be ashamed of celebrating Basant.@Aleema_KhanPK @ShandanaGulzar #PakistanConnect pic.twitter.com/ojSkxBx0EK
— Pakistan Connect (@Pak_Connect) February 10, 2026
No one can stop Lahories from celebrating Basant: Aleema Khan
Aleema Khan, while talking to the media on Monday, said that no one can stop Lahoris from celebrating Basant.
She added that the passion for Basant was visible everywhere in the city. Adding that the children were taking part in the celebrations enthusiastically.
She shared that her own son joined in the celebrations, and she herself flew kites on the occasion.
She said that they flew kites at home that had ‘804’ written on them.
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