LAHORE: The skies of Lahore were adorned with colorful kites once again as the traditional Basant festival made a triumphant return after a 19-year ban, attracting not only local enthusiasts but also a high-level American diplomatic delegation. The event marked a significant cultural revival in the provincial capital.
Led by United States Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker, the delegation arrived in Lahore specifically to participate in the celebrations. She was accompanied by Consul General Lahore Stetson Sanders and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State John Mark Pomerheim. Their presence underscored the festival’s importance as a cross-cultural bridge.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Uzma Bukhari, and Provincial Minister for Communications Malik Sohaib Bharat formally welcomed the American officials. Aurangzeb and Bukhari briefed the delegation on the historical and cultural significance of the Basant festival, a briefing that Ambassador Baker and her team praised for its depth and organization.
Embracing the spirit of the day, the US Embassy officials actively participated in the festivities. They were seen flying kites alongside local citizens, sharing in the joy that has long characterized the spring event. The festival also saw participation from a wide cross-section of society, including PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, who celebrated with friends, and cricketer Haris Rauf, highlighting the day’s broad appeal.
The successful and peaceful organization of Basant, after nearly two decades, is being hailed as a positive step towards reviving Punjab’s cultural heritage and promoting a softer image of Pakistan internationally through diplomatic engagement.
