<p>Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced on Sunday that Basant festivities in Lahore could continue till 5am on Monday, extending the previous deadline that was set to end today.</p> <figure class="media w-full w-full media--left media--embed media--uneven media--tweet"> <div class="media__item media__item--twitter "><span> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryamNSharif/status/2020444360438108484"></a> </blockquote> </span></div> </figure> <p>Previously, the Punjab government had given the <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1960318">approval</a> for Basant celebrations in the provincial capital for just three days, from February 6-8.</p> <p>But the provincial chief executive said in a post on social media platform X today: “In view of the splendid events, celebrations and joy of Basant in Lahore, Punjab and entire Pakistan … I am happy to announce that the time for Basant celebrations has been extended until 5am tomorrow morning.”</p> <p>She said the extension was a “gift for the people of Lahore” who celebrated Basant with full discipline and strictly adhered to all safety standard operating procedures.</p> <p>“Please continue the celebrations in a safe manner; stay away from electricity wires, secure your rooftops, and follow all instructions. Let’s make this historic Basant joyful, safe, and memorable for everyone!” she added.</p> <p>Basant Panchami, with ‘panchami’ meaning the fifth day of the lunar month <em>Magh</em>, is a celebration of future crop prosperity, spring, and good luck.</p> <p>The kite-flying festival was banned in 2007 in Punjab because of an increasing number of deaths and serious injuries caused by sharp strings, particularly to motorcyclists and pillion riders, as well as by celebratory gunfire.</p> <hr /> <p><em>More to follow</em></p>