Islamabad Blast: Punjab CM Cancels Basant Celebrations

Nation Stands Shoulder to Shoulder with Armed Forces, United Against Khawarij: Maryam Nawaz

LAHORE – Following the blast in Islamabad, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the cancellation of Basant celebrations. The Basant Festival scheduled at Liberty Chowk has also been called off.
According to an official statement, the Chief Minister said the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces and is united against the Khawarij (terrorists). She strongly condemned this act of terrorism and offered prayers for the martyrs.
Maryam Nawaz stated that at a time when the country is under attack from terrorism, holding any kind of celebrations would be inappropriate. She expressed condolences to all affected families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Punjab Chief Minister has directed the provincial government to utilize all resources to help the victims. She said the terrorists’ objective is to spread fear among the nation, but the Pakistani nation will never bow down to terrorism.
Security has been put on high alert in Lahore and all major cities of Punjab, with tightened security arrangements at public places.