Basant, Culture, and Resilience: Why Pakistan Must Not Surrender Its Joy to Terror.

-

Picture just for Reference 



Basant, Culture, and Resilience: Why Pakistan Must Not Surrender Its Joy to Terror



Pakistan is a country blessed beyond imagination. From snow-covered mountains to lush green valleys, from ancient civilizations to living cultural traditions, Pakistan has everything that can attract global tourism. Gwadar, Skardu, Hunza, Murree, Kaghan, Naran, Swat, Kalam—often called the “Swiss landscapes of Pakistan”—offer breathtaking beauty. Balochistan’s historical heritage, including the legendary Princesses of Makran, a name once echoed internationally by Angelina Jolie, adds to Pakistan’s civilizational depth and mystique.


Alongside natural beauty, Pakistan’s cultural life is equally rich. Festivals, colors, music, and traditions form the soul of the nation. Events like Basant are not merely entertainment; they are expressions of identity, continuity, and collective happiness.



Basant After 25 Years: A Global Message of Peace



The revival of Basant in Lahore after nearly 25 years is more than a festival—it is a statement to the world. It tells the international community that Pakistan is safe, confident, and open for tourism. Lahore, the city of vibrant hearts (Zinda Dilaan-e-Lahore), has recently hosted Christmas celebrations, New Year events, and now Basant at Liberty Chowk. These events have drawn international attention and helped reshape Pakistan’s image as a country of life, color, and coexistence.


Such cultural events improve Pakistan’s soft power, boost tourism, and directly contribute to the economy. Millions are spent by citizens and businesses in preparation—kite makers, string manufacturers, vendors, transporters, hotels, and daily-wage workers. Canceling such events causes financial losses running into billions of rupees and destroys livelihoods built around seasonal cultural economies.



Condemnation of the Tragic Mosque Attack



The recent bomb blast in a mosque in Pakistan is a heartbreaking tragedy. The martyrdom of over thirty innocent people and injuries to more than two hundred is an irreparable loss. No words are enough to express the sorrow and grief felt by the nation. Such acts of terrorism are crimes against humanity, Islam, and Pakistan.


However, it is precisely at moments like these that wisdom, not fear, must guide decisions.



Do Not Give the Enemy What It Wants



Some voices are demanding that Basant and other cultural events be canceled in response to this tragedy. This is exactly what the enemies of Pakistan desire. Terrorism aims not only to kill people but to paralyze society, suppress joy, halt normal life, and project Pakistan as unsafe and unstable.


If every tragic incident leads to shutting down national life, festivals, and culture, then the terrorists win without firing another shot.


Life is a balance of grief and joy. A sorrowful event on one side should not extinguish the happiness of millions on the other. Islam itself teaches resilience, patience, and continuity of life, not collective despair.



Punjab’s Culture on the World Stage



Today, the world is watching Punjab’s culture—its colors, kites, music, and celebration of life. Basant is not vulgarity or recklessness; it is heritage. With proper regulation, safety measures, and governance, cultural events can coexist with security and respect for human life.


Pakistan must show the world that it can mourn its martyrs with dignity while continuing its journey forward with confidence.



Conclusion



Pakistan’s strength lies in its resilience. Canceling cultural events after every tragedy sends a message of fear. Continuing them responsibly sends a message of courage. Basant is not against religion, morality, or security—it is against despair.


Let Pakistan be known not only for surviving pain, but for rising above it.





Author



Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” Advocate for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pakistan’s Dynamic Diplomatic Rise; From Regional Player to Global Power Broker.

-
Pakistan’s Dynamic Diplomatic Rise; From Regional Player to Global Power Broker In the contemporary geopolitical arena, Pakistan has emerged as a dynamic and decisive force, successfully navigating the complexities of South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Once seen as a nation struggling to assert its relevance, Pakistan has now crossed the traditional boundaries of success in diplomacy. This remarkable transformation is reshaping alliances, redefining power balances, and positioning Pakistan as a central pillar of stability and security for the Islamic world and the broader global community. A Turning Point: From India-Pakistan Conflict to Broader Influence Pakistan’s diplomatic momentum began with its deft handling of the long-standing India-Pakistan conflict. While tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors have persisted for decades, Islamabad’s recent diplomatic strategies have significantly isolated New Delhi at international forums. Through measured responses, confi...
Read more

The Dawn of the Digital State, A New Movement for Humanity.

-
The Dawn of the Digital State, A New Movement for Humanity. Introduction: A New Era Demands a New Vision. In an age of unprecedented technological growth and rising global challenges, the world stands at a crossroads. The traditional models of governance, economy, and diplomacy have proven insufficient in addressing the complex needs of our time. Wars persist, inequality widens, and nations remain trapped in old rivalries while humanity cries out for new solutions. It is in this critical hour that we propose a new movement — a bold initiative to reshape the future of humanity through innovation, peace, economic justice, and digital unity. This movement is not confined to borders, ideologies, or ethnicities. It is for the people of the world. It is for tomorrow. We call it “The Rise of the Digital State” — a movement for global peace, digital economics, and human advancement. The Mission: Service to Humanity Through Innovation The purpose of this movement is simple but profound: To int...
Read more

Unveiling the Truth: The Age of Hazrat Aisha (RA) at Marriage – A Historical Perspective.

-
Unveiling the Truth: The Age of Hazrat Aisha (RA) at Marriage – A Historical Perspective Introduction One of the most widely debated and misunderstood aspects of Islamic history is the age of Hazrat Aisha (RA) at the time of her marriage to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Traditional narrations, primarily attributed to Sahih Bukhari, state that she was six years old at the time of marriage and nine at the time of consummation. However, deeper historical analysis and corroboration with other authentic records suggest a different reality. This article aims to clarify the matter, not to dismiss the hadith literature, but to harmonize historical facts and defend the dignity of the Prophet ﷺ and Hazrat Aisha (RA) against unfounded accusations. The Traditional Narrative The most cited hadith comes from Sahih Bukhari (Volume 7, Book 62, Hadith 64): “Narrated Aisha: The Prophet married me when I was six years old, and consummated the marriage when I was nine years old.” However, ha...
Read more