Following Lahore’s popular Basant celebrations, Karachi is preparing to host its own traditional kite-flying festival, Mayor Murtaza Wahab announced. The event aims to bring the city alive with cultural festivities marking the arrival of spring.

Speaking to the media, Wahab said city authorities are considering Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim and Benazir Bhutto Park as venues for the Basant mela. “Basant has once again captured public interest, and we want to channel that enthusiasm into a safe, vibrant festival for all residents,” he said.

The mayor clarified that the festival strictly refers to the cultural kite-flying tradition and has no connection to the political kite symbol of Altaf Hussain’s banned party. “That kite has already been cut off,” Wahab remarked, emphasizing the separation of politics from this public celebration.

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Wahab urged conspiratorial elements to avoid creating hurdles, stating that citizens should be allowed to celebrate freely without unnecessary controversy.

In addition to Basant plans, the mayor highlighted city development concerns. He criticized the federal government for minimal spending in Karachi, noting that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had already allocated Rs. 46 billion for city projects, with total spending expected to reach Rs. 80 billion this year. He added that the Sindh government, backed by the PPP, had earmarked Rs. 300 billion for Karachi-related development initiatives.

Calling for broader cooperation, Wahab stressed the importance of strengthening local government institutions and said even MQM voices now recognize this need. “Criticism doesn’t solve problems; action does,” he said, responding to political pressure and reports regarding KMC’s financial allocations.

The announcement signals a potential revival of Karachi’s cultural scene, with Basant expected to draw large crowds and reinvigorate public spaces across the city while keeping political controversies at bay.