Nawaz Sharif joins friends for Basant near Masti Gate

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Nawaz Sharif on Saturday joined Basant celebrations in Lahore’s Walled City area, spending several hours with close friends and enjoying traditional kite-flying festivities from a rooftop gathering.

Nawaz Sharif visited a friend’s residence near Masti Gate in the Sultan Tipu Building area, located close to Pani Wala Talab in Androon Lahore. He remained in the area for around four hours as Basant activities continued across the old city neighbourhoods.

During the visit, the former premier sat on the rooftop and watched colourful kites soar across the skyline, a hallmark of the Basant festival. He also held a kite and string reel, appreciating the quality of the string and remarking that kite strings used to be much thicker in the past.

Several political and social figures were present at the gathering, including Sheikh Rohail Asghar, Khurram Butt and Ahsan Dar. A delegation of overseas Pakistanis also attended the celebration and met Nawaz Sharif during the rooftop event.

Guests at the Basant get-together were served a range of traditional dishes, including hareesa, mutton channay, egg halwa and mutton pulao, reflecting the customary food culture associated with festive occasions in the walled city.

Basant festivities are currently in full swing across Lahore, with strong public participation reported on the second day of the festival. Various city areas remain lively, with residents flying kites, hosting rooftop gatherings and taking part in seasonal celebrations throughout the day.