Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday announced strict safety regulations for the three-day Basant festival, scheduled from February 6 to 8, warning that violations could result in heavy fines, imprisonment, or legal action.
Chairing a high-level meeting, the chief minister said Basant celebrations would begin on the night of February 6, with kite-flying allowed only during the designated dates.
She stressed that public safety remained the government’s top priority, citing past tragedies linked to unsafe kite strings.
Under the new safety plan, Lahore will be divided into red, yellow, and green zones. Authorities will restrict motorbike movement in red zones, allowing only vehicles fitted with safety rods. Riding without a safety rod will carry a Rs2,000 fine.
The government will install safety rods on one million motorbikes free of cost.
Only nine-thread cotton “pinna” strings will be permitted, while nylon, metal, and spool strings remain strictly banned.
Authorities will also prohibit oversized kites and gudda beyond approved dimensions. Kite-flying outside February 6–8 will lead to legal action, with parents or guardians held responsible for violations involving minors.
CM Maryam warned that using banned kite strings could result in up to five years in prison and fines of up to Rs5 million. She added that informants reporting violations would receive rewards.
To ensure security, the government will deploy more than 4,000 police personnel, monitor activities through CCTV cameras and drones, and activate special control rooms at the Safe City Authority and the commissioner’s office.
A special traffic plan includes 100 traffic police camps and free public transport services, including buses, Metrobus, Orange Line, and electric buses.
Calling Basant an 800-year-old cultural festival, the chief minister said the government aims to restore safe recreation while enforcing zero tolerance for safety violations.