Lahore: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday approved all arrangements for the three-day Basant festival in Lahore, set to take place from February 6 to 8, urging citizens to celebrate safely.
Presiding over a meeting on festival preparations, the CM highlighted the revival of Punjab’s cultural heritage, calling Basant an 800-year-old tradition that showcases the province’s vibrant culture. She stressed that all communities in Punjab have the right to freely celebrate their festivals, including Eid, Holi, Christmas, and Ramazan.
Strict safety measures have been announced to prevent accidents from kite flying. Lahore will be divided into Red, Yellow, and Green zones, with only nine-thread cotton strings permitted. Nylon and metallic strings are banned, and violators may face up to five years in prison and fines of up to Rs5 million. Parents and guardians will be held accountable for underage or illegal kite flying.
String reels (charkhi) are banned, while hand-held spools (pinna) and fixed kite sizes will be allowed. To protect motorcyclists, one million free safety rods will be installed on bikes. Entry into Red Zones will be permitted only for motorcycles fitted with rods, with fines of Rs2,000 for violations. Citizens reporting illegal kite flying will be rewarded.
The CM said over 2,150 manufacturers, traders, and vendors have been registered for Basant. More than 600 FIRs have been filed, hundreds of arrests made, tens of thousands of illegal kites seized, and over 10,000 surety bonds obtained to ensure compliance.
A detailed traffic and transport plan has been prepared, offering free rides on Orange Line, Metro Bus, electric buses, and 500 additional buses. Ride-hailing services will also support commuters, discouraging motorcycle use to enhance safety.
For security and emergency response, 4,000 police personnel and Suthra Punjab workers will be deployed. Plans for police, Rescue 1122, fire brigade, and ambulances have been finalised. CCTV cameras, drones, and 24/7 control rooms at the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and the commissioner’s office will monitor the festival.
The CM urged citizens to enjoy Basant responsibly, stating that festivities will begin on the night of February 6, with official celebrations starting on February 7.
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