Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has cancelled all Basant-related activities scheduled for Saturday following the deadly suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area.

In a statement posted on social media platform X on Friday, she announced that the mega Basant show at Liberty Square, Lahore, had also been called off in solidarity with the victims.

“In the wake of the Islamabad tragedy, I am cancelling all my Basant-related activities,” she said. “The nation remains united against the Khwarji menace and their sympathisers.”

She said the decision was taken to express solidarity with the bereaved families and stressed that no leniency should be shown to extremist elements.

The time has come to “stand shoulder to shoulder with our Armed Forces in defence of the country,” she added.

In another post, the chief minister urged the nation not to lose hope and called for unity in the fight against terrorism.

“We must TODAY take an unequivocal decision to stand united and undivided, to eradicate terrorism, and to snatch back our peace and happiness from the clutches of the terrorists and their sympathisers,” she said.

Maryam Nawaz said protecting Pakistan was not only the responsibility of state institutions but of the entire nation, and appealed to citizens to remain united against hostile elements.

“This is our country and we must vow to protect it from the assailants. It is our job too. Rise to the challenge,” she added.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari also confirmed the cancellation of all Basant events, including the Liberty Square show.

“The Punjab government stands with the families of the martyrs,” she said. “Our morale remains high, and we will continue to confront terrorism with determination.”

She added that enemies wanted to undermine Pakistan’s positive image but would not succeed.

The cancellation followed Friday’s suicide bombing at Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra in Tarlai, where 31 people were killed, and more than 160 were injured.

Police said the attacker tried to enter the imambargah during prayers but was stopped by worshippers, after which he detonated himself. An eyewitness reported that gunfire was heard shortly before the blast.

After the attack, the police, Army and Rangers cordoned off the area. The injured were shifted to PIMS and Polyclinic hospitals, where emergency measures were imposed.

Government sources said the bomber had received training in Afghanistan and had travelled there several times. They alleged that militant groups based in Afghanistan, with external support, posed a serious threat to Pakistan’s security.

Earlier, Maryam Nawaz had announced Basant celebrations from February 6 to 8, with a central event planned at Liberty Square on February 7. Kite-flying activities had already begun in Lahore before the cancellation.