Punjab’s cities, towns light up with Ramazan-themed illumination on CM’s directives

• PHA installs decorative models, crescents, mosques and lanterns across major urban centres to welcome holy month: DG Raja Mansoor

• Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan and Faisalabad among cities adorned with ‘Ramazan Nigehban’ signs, arches and bazaars draw public attention

• Markets, roads and green belts transformed into festive vistas

LAHORE: Acting on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, cities and villages across the province have been illuminated ahead of Ramazan, with decorative lighting and themed installations adorning major roads, markets and public spaces.

The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) has installed decorative models across Punjab to welcome the holy month, Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad said on Wednesday.

According to Mr Ahmad, illuminated crescent moons, stars, mosques and traditional lanterns have been set up in Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan and Sargodha, among other cities, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere along major thoroughfares and streets. He said the installations were placed at prominent intersections and commercial hubs to enhance the visual appeal of urban centres during the sacred month.

Mr Ahmad added that PHA staff worked round the clock to complete the installations ahead of Ramazan. He said the initiative aimed to promote a sense of unity and spirituality among residents. Reiterating the authority’s commitment to improving urban landscaping, he said plantation drives would continue in line with the chief minister’s vision to ensure a clean and aesthetically pleasing environment across Punjab.

In Rawalpindi, preparations to welcome the holy month are in full swing. Neon signs bearing the slogan “Ramazan Nigehban” glow prominently, while major roads, markets and intersections are illuminated. Green belts along roadways are decorated with colourful lights, and illuminated inscriptions of the names of Allah are displayed on poles along key arteries. Trees lining the main roads are wrapped in vibrant lighting, presenting a festive vista.

Market entrances feature arch-shaped lighting installations designed around the Ramazan theme. In Chakwal and Talagang, streets, bazaars and roads have also been decorated on the chief minister’s special instructions. Illuminated decorative arches at Nigehban Ramazan Bazaars and Nigehban Dastarkhwan centres have become a focal point for the public.

Markets in Attock, Nowshera, Khushab, Mianwali and Faisalabad are similarly displaying elaborate lighting arrangements, while festive decorations also enhance the ambience in Bahawalpur, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Vehari, Gujrat and Muzaffargarh.

Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal and Pakpattan have also been illuminated with electric lights ahead of Ramazan. In Murree, winding roads glow brightly under decorative lighting.

Pushcart bazaars in various cities have likewise been lit up to mark the arrival of the holy month. Meanwhile, the provision of essential food items at subsidised rates through Sahulat and Ramazan bazaars set up by the provincial government continues to facilitate the public, further adding to the festive spirit across the province.