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Basant festival 2026 anthem by Bilal Saeed released – watch

Basant festival 2026

LAHORE:The Punjab government has taken steps to restore the province’s cultural vibrancy with the launch of a new Basant anthem, signaling a renewed push to celebrate the spring festival under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Titled “Phir Aai Basant” (Basant Is Back), the anthem has been released by the Punjab Information and Culture Department and shared via Alhamra Lahore’s official Instagram account.

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A post shared by Alhamra (Lahore Arts Council) (@alhamralac)

The song is performed by Sialkot-based singer and composer Bilal Saeed and is being promoted as the official soundtrack for Punjab’s highly anticipated cultural event.

The music video features model and actor Nabeel Zubairi alongside food blogger Ali Rehman and was filmed across the historic streets of old Lahore.

Several scenes showcase the iconic picture wall of Lahore Fort, with dancers in vibrant, festive attire capturing the traditional spirit of Basant—a season celebrated with kites, colours, and joy.

Alongside its celebratory tone, the anthem delivers a safety message. The lyrics caution that violations of festival rules will attract official action, emphasizing the importance of celebrating Basant responsibly.

The three-day Basant festival is set to begin on February 6 in Lahore, with certain restrictions near Lahore Airport for safety reasons.

To encourage public participation, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced free travel on 419 buses, Metro Bus services, the Orange Line train, and 6,000 Yango rickshaws during the festival period, making it easier for citizens to join the festivities.

Punjab extends Section 144 for 7 more days across province

Punjab extends

Lahore: The Punjab government has extended the implementation of Section 144 across the province for an additional seven days.

The Punjab Home Department issued a notification announcing that the restrictions will remain in place until Saturday, November 22.

Under the notification, all public gatherings—including protests, rallies, processions, sit-ins, and meetings—are prohibited. Section 144 also restricts the assembly of four or more people at public places.

A spokesperson clarified that the display of any type of weapons, use of loudspeakers, and dissemination of provocative, hateful, or sectarian material is completely banned. Loudspeakers may only be used for the call to prayer (Azaan) and Friday sermons.

According to the Home Department, this decision was taken for the establishment of law and order, protection of human lives and property.

The spokesman said that the ban will not apply to wedding ceremonies, funerals and burials, while officers and officials on official duties and courts are exempted from the ban.

According to the spokesman, in view of the security threats, processions and sit-ins can be a soft target for terrorists, miscreants can take advantage of the public protest to carry out anti-state activities.