Azma Bukhari urges not to politicise Basant festivities

LAHORE (Dunya News) - Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said that the ban on songs played on stage should not be linked to the Basant festival, stressing that cultural celebrations should remain free from political controversy.

Speaking on Dunya News programme “On the Front”, Azma Bukhari said Basant is a cultural festival and should not be given a political colour. She emphasized that such festivals must remain non-political.

She clarified that only registered vendors will be allowed to sell kites and strings. She added that a ban has been imposed on songs played on stage during Basant, but this restriction should not be associated with the festival itself.

Responding to criticism, the provincial information minister remarked that there would be no objection if the number 804 was written even on slippers. She said there was a misunderstanding, adding that the number being discussed did not belong to the person in question and it was unclear whose number had been labelled as 804.

During the programme, anchor Kamran Shahid jokingly asked her to clarify the name so that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters could fly kites with it again. Smiling, Azma Bukhari replied that she was not that foolish and expressed hope that the festival would pass peacefully.