Haider’s Basant Wedding: A Celebration of Joy

This article is written by Mian Haroon Masood, a political leader based in Gujrat, Pakistan.

It is perhaps time for both the young and the old to pernoctate. Lahorites are at their best, indulging fully in jubilation. This is not a celebration reserved for the faint-hearted alone; one finds everyone jubilant and making the most of it.

For once, people are finding it exhilarating to enjoy Basant—and why not? It is an inviolable right of every citizen to make merry and enjoy the fruits of a government that has been at the helm of affairs for some time. Lahore is practically and literally abuzz with activity.

Most beautifully, the entire city is adorned in a manner rarely witnessed before. Basant has brought with it hope, expectation, happiness, joy, and a revival of economic activity that had either stagnated or moved at an ambling pace. People are upbeat. Those who, for whatever reason, appeared lachrymose or lugubrious are now nonchalant and flamboyant, burning the candle at every possible end.

You Should Be a Billionaire — Why I Chose Peace Instead

Islamabad to Host Indus AI Summit Amid Heightened Security, PM to Inaugurate

Islamabad Suicide Blast Claims at Least 15 Lives, Over 80 Injured

For more such Opinions & Blogs, click here.

This festivity also gives the affluent another opportunity to flaunt their riches to their utter satisfaction. A single kite costs no less than a quid. My son mentioned that he spent 30,000 rupees on kites last night and the same amount on kite string—dor. This is the minimum individual expense, and the festivities are expected to continue for at least three more days. This estimate excludes food and drink, yet it all seems worthwhile.

He was at Baghbanpura, on a friend’s rooftop, along with his Aitchisonian cronies, returning home only around five in the morning. I, on the other hand, was away with old friends, enjoying ourselves on a Samanabad rooftop. The sky was illuminated with kites flying in every direction. The paichas were a magnificent spectacle. One particularly heartening aspect was the absence of celebratory firing or unruly shouting. This proves that when the government so desires, law can indeed be enforced in letter and spirit.

Well done, Maryam Nawaz.

I suggest that, beyond Lahore, the same right be granted to citizens across Pakistan in their respective regions. Basant has gained widespread social legitimacy. People poured out in large numbers, making the event intensely festive. The atmosphere is electric, the flyers charged, and Lahore resonating with loud cries of “Bo Kata” echoing across the city.

Bangladesh Set for ‘Secret’ US Tariff Deal Just Days Before National Elections

Senior Russian Military Intelligence Officer Shot in Apparent Assassination Attempt in Moscow

16 labourers dead, several others feared trapped after blast in ‘illegal’ coal mine in India

Haider’s friends from Dubai: Saeed Al Mulla, Hussain Sajwani, Yaseen Balbaa, Mark, Ali Moharram, Hamad Tariq, and Jamal AlAshram, lent the festivities a truly heavenly air.

Millions of cars are streaming into the city, making it appear as though people are arriving on a pilgrimage to a sacred site. The festivities are set to continue until the 9th of February. Interestingly, the gentle zephyrs and bright, sunny afternoons make this the perfect season for such celebrations.

With improved relations with neighboring countries, Basant could well be transformed into an international event. A steady stream of visitors could arrive from India, particularly Indian Punjab—offering a dual opportunity to enjoy Basant while paying homage at mandirs, gurdwaras, and other religious sites. Similarly, as diplomatic relations with Central Asian states improve, visitors from those regions could also be welcomed.

Adding to the colour and warmth of the season are deeply personal moments of joy. My dear friend’s son, Haider, who has been living in Dubai, is here for his wedding and has timed it perfectly, with Basant and the celebrations unfolding side by side. The wedding has become even more colourful and festive as a result. Sarfraz and Mustafa graciously hosted us at their luxurious farmhouses in Burki, where the gatherings felt almost bacchanalian—spirited, continuous, and brimming with life. Mustafa, along with his close circle, and Haider’s friends from Dubai: Saeed Al Mulla, Hussain Sajwani, Yaseen Balbaa, Mark, Ali Moharram, Hamad Tariq, and Jamal AlAshram, lent the festivities a truly heavenly air. The presence of Dr. Shazi from London, Dr. Mateen, and Dr. Mubasher further added vibrance to an already electric atmosphere, now beautifully culminating in kite flying under the open sky.

Haider’s friends from Dubai: Saeed Al Mulla, Hussain Sajwani, Yaseen Balbaa, Mark, Ali Moharram, Hamad Tariq, and Jamal AlAshram, lent the festivities a truly heavenly air.

AAP leader shot dead outside gurdwara in Punjab’s Jalandhar

Two ‘Sikhs for Justice’ members held in New Delhi

Hundreds of IIOJK govt employees awaiting Rs 5,106 Crore in pending retirement benefits

The spate of killings, unfortunately, remains unabated. Yet none can avert the decree of fate. We continue to brace these challenges of cross-border terrorism with heightened consciousness, determination, and resolve, for which our battle-hardened soldiers remain engaged in counterterrorism efforts. Sadly, this is a reality we must endure, even if unwillingly. Too many of our soldiers have already laid down their lives at the altar of sacrifice.

We are prepared to take the bull by the horns. Nothing will thwart or hamper our internal peace, happiness, and rapid progress. Invisible forces may attempt to disrupt the workings of our beloved state, but we are not deterred by our wicked and wily enemies operating on multiple fronts. Long live Pakistan, come what may. Nothing shall ever dampen our spirits or slow our forward momentum.

We must welcome more festivals, periodically and perpetually, across every province of the country.

At this critical juncture, we also mourn the abhorrent killing of innocent people in Islamabad. May their souls rest in peace.

The weather, for now, has turned propitious.

For more such Opinions & Blogs, click here.

PIA-Marked Balloon Recovered in IIOJK’s Udhampur District

Over two lakh dog bite cases reported In IIOJK in 2024–25

Digital trucks in New York flash message ‘Kashmir is not forgotten’

Pakistan’s Rapid Counter-Terrorism Response in Balochistan Why the World Is Taking Notice

David E. Kelley and Michelle Pfeiffer Team Up for Apple TV+ Series ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’

This article is written by Mian Haroon Masood, a political leader based in Gujrat, Pakistan.

Stay tuned to Baaghi TV for more. Download our app for the latest news, updates & interesting content!