Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shandana Gulzar Khan recently criticised Lahore residents for celebrating Basant, drawing strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Her remarks came up after massive public attention on the city’s response to the long-awaited return of the traditional kite-flying festival.

 

When asked about PTI founder Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan’s statement that “Lahoris cannot be stopped from celebrating Basant,” Shandana Gulzar Khan said, “Lahore residents have no sense of shame. I am sorry, I have great respect for Aleema Khan, but the people celebrating during funerals should drown in shame. They should die.”

 

Her remarks refer to the celebrations held in Lahore coinciding with the funerals of worshippers killed in a suicide bombing at an Imambargah on the outskirts of Islamabad on February 6. The attack left several injured, with security sources confirming the attacker was a foreign national linked to Fitna-al-Khawarij. 

 

Authorities had blocked the bomber at the entrance, after which he detonated himself. Hospitals in Islamabad, including PIMS, Polyclinic, and CDA Hospital, were put on emergency status to treat the injured.

 

Public reaction to Shandana’s statements has been divided. Some criticized her strongly, with one social media user calling her “the most disgraceful woman of Pakistan and a big liar. Her statements are always controversial and we strongly reject her.” Another commented, “She is extraordinary blunt,” while others expressed disappointment in her perspective, noting that her words seemed disrespectful toward Punjabis and questioning her sensibility despite her education.

 

However, not all reactions were negative. Supporters defended her blunt approach, with one saying, “I have never been so proud of someone for speaking the truth,” while another noted, “Truth hurts. She is absolutely right.” 

 

Aleema Khan, whose family participated in the Basant celebrations, previously told reporters that the festival was celebrated at her Lahore residence despite political differences with the ruling PML-N. Her son, Shahrez, flew kites with his children on February 6, while she also flew kites marked with Imran Khan’s prisoner number, 804. She emphasized that Basant is a festival belonging to no political party and highlighted the city’s widespread enthusiasm, noting that children were also actively participating.