LAHORE: For the first time in the province’s history, the Punjab government has installed illuminated decorative models across major cities to welcome the holy month of Ramazan by lighting up major roads, intersections, mosques and commercial centres in a coordinated province-wide initiative.

The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) has carried out the arrangements and placed crescent moons, stars, mosque replicas and traditional lanterns at prominent locations in Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan and Sargodha, among other urban centres.

Markets in Attock, Nowshera, Khushab, Mianwali and Faisalabad also display elaborate lighting arrangements. Similar decorations enhance the festive atmosphere in Bahawalpur, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Vehari, Gujrat and Muzaffargarh.

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

Pushcart bazaars in various cities are also lit up to mark the arrival of the holy month. The provision of essential food items at subsidised rates in Sahulat and Ramazan bazaars set up by the provincial government adds to public facilitation and enhances the festive spirit.

PHA Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad said illuminated crescent moons, stars, mosques and traditional lanterns had been set up on major roads and streets to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere during the sacred month.

He said the installations were placed at important intersections and commercial areas to enhance the visual appeal of cities.

Mr Raja added that PHA staff worked round the clock to complete the installations before the start of Ramazan.

He said the initiative was aimed at promoting a sense of unity and spirituality among residents.

He also reiterated the authority’s commitment to improving urban landscaping and expanding plantation drives in line with the chief minister’s vision to provide a clean and aesthetically pleasing environment across Punjab.

The decorative displays have generated discussion on X (formerly Twitter), where several users shared videos and images appreciating the initiative.

A social media user Resham Saleem posted a video showing illuminated crescent and mosque models installed along a main road, saying the decorations were a beautiful way to welcome Ramazan and praising the Punjab government’s efforts.

Another user, Saadia, shared footage of glowing lanterns and star motifs at a busy intersection, stating that the festive lights created a peaceful and special atmosphere ahead of the holy month.

Third user R Shahzad uploaded a video of decorative installations lining a commercial street and wrote that such arrangements reflect the spirit of Ramazan and help bring communities together.

Similarly, another user posted a nighttime clip of illuminated structures and appreciated the initiative, saying the displays added to the joy and visual appeal of the city.

Residents across social media platforms described the decorations as uplifting and welcoming, with many expressing hope that such initiatives would continue in future religious and cultural events.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2026