Lahore — As Basant festival returned to the streets of Lahore in February 2026 after an 18-year hiatus, several prominent opposition figures and their family members were spotted participating in the spring celebrations, drawing public attention amid ongoing political tensions.
Social media posts and eyewitness accounts from February 6–8 showed family members of key opposition leaders enjoying kite-flying and traditional festivities across the city. Shiraz, son of Aleema Khan (sister of PTI founder Imran Khan), was seen flying kites with his wife and children in Lahore, with multiple images shared online capturing the family moment.
Fawad Chaudhary and Hiba having fun – Basant returns to Lahore after 19 years as kites rise again and Pakistan celebrates with Lahoris @fawadchaudhry @HibaFawadPk pic.twitter.com/dxfO88Z9qK
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) February 9, 2026
Key Highlights
- Aleema Khan’s son Shiraz and family celebrated Basant in Lahore.
- Fawad Chaudhry and his wife participated in kite-flying events.
- Chaudhry called Basant a “positive government initiative”.
- Basant held February 6–8 with extended timings.
- Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz praised public discipline and safety compliance.
- Festival saw widespread participation across political lines.
Senior PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry was also photographed taking part in Basant activities alongside lawyers and other citizens. In media interactions, Chaudhry described the festival as a welcome cultural revival and joined in kite-flying sessions in different parts of the city.
The three-day event (February 6–8) was marked by large crowds, colourful kites filling the sky, and traditional food stalls. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz extended timings into early Monday morning and commended citizens for adhering to safety guidelines, with authorities reporting no major incidents.
میں اس ٹویٹ پر معذرت کرتا ہوں، اور شرمندہ ہوں، اگر کسی کی دل آزاری ہوئی ہے تو میں معذرت خواہ🙏
یقیناً یہ تصویر اصلی ہے اور علیمہ خان کا بیٹا شیر از ، بہو، پوتے پوتیاں اور دیگر خاندان کے افراد کا بسنت منا رہے ہیں۔علیمہ خان کا عمران خان کے لیے فکرمند ہونا کسی سے ڈھکی چھپی بات… pic.twitter.com/y7OrLkrX8X
— Amir Khan (@iAmirKhann) February 8, 2026
The participation by opposition figures and their families highlights Basant’s broad cultural appeal, cutting across political divides even as PTI has maintained focus on political mobilisation in recent weeks. No official PTI statement was issued regarding personal involvement in the festival.
Basant 2026 has been widely viewed as a successful cultural comeback for Lahore, bringing families together and reviving a cherished tradition while sparking light-hearted online discussions about politics and festivities coexisting in public life.
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