Maryam Nawaz Cancels Basant Appearance After Deadly Islamabad Blast

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced that she will not attend any Basant-related events scheduled for Saturday and confirmed the cancellation of the main Basant show at Liberty Square. The decision was taken in the wake of a deadly blast in Islamabad during Friday prayers at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in the Tarlai area. Officials reported at least 31 fatalities and 169 injuries. The chief minister said the move reflects solidarity with the victims and their families. Authorities stated that investigations into the incident are ongoing, while security has been heightened nationwide following the attack.