LAHORE:Ahead of the three-day Basant festival, Punjab Police on Wednesday announced strict security and enforcement measures to ensure safe celebrations in the provincial capital and across the province.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Punjab, Rao Abdul Karim directed that the government’s code of conduct and standard operating procedures (SOPs) be implemented in letter and spirit. He said only registered vendors would be allowed to sell approved kites and strings, warning that violators would face strict legal action. Lahore Police have been instructed to closely monitor the sale of kites and strings throughout the city.
The IGP made it clear that aerial firing, display of weapons, obscenity and immoral activities during Basant would not be tolerated. He said a zero-tolerance policy was being enforced against violations of the Anti-Kite Flying Act across Punjab, while Basant in Lahore would be allowed only on designated days under strict conditions.
According to Punjab Police, 150 cases were registered across the province during the last 24 hours for violations of the Anti-Kite Flying Act, leading to the arrest of 157 suspects. Police seized 39,667 illegal kites and 248 reels. In Lahore alone, 67 suspects involved in the illegal kite and string trade were arrested, with more than 7,000 kites and 41 reels recovered.
Meanwhile, cleanliness and awareness campaign for safe Basant is underway as Commissioner Maryam Khan and DC Ali Ijaz visited Bhatti, Taxali, Food Street and Delhi Gate to review cleanliness operations.
The commissioner said camps and counters of the Health Department, Rescue, LWMC and other departments have been established. She said that a comprehensive cleanliness programme is underway in the entire area of inner Lahore and Circular Road.
Safety measures are being ensured 100 percent. Strict checking of every sale point is going on. Quick response teams comprising all departments are active throughout the city. String wheels, metal and nylon strings are banned and strict action will be taken against those who violate them, she warned. DC Ali Ijaz said the responsible role of citizens for safe Basant is most important. Citizens should abide by Basant laws and Basant code of conduct.
