LAHORE: The Punjab government has revived the Basant festival in Lahore with comprehensive safety, transport and regulatory measures.
Punjab chief minister has spearheaded the revival of Basant festival, fulfilling the longstanding vision of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to restore this vibrant cultural tradition. The government of Punjab has undertaken nearly five months of intensive preparation to ensure that Basant is celebrated safely and within a strong regulatory framework. This preparation includes the Basant Act 2025 legislation, detailed transport and operational planning, and extensive arrangements covering pre, during and post-festival activities. Technology is at the centre of enforcement, surveillance is being carried out through Safe City cameras, thermal drones and district administration monitoring systems. Lesco has installed protective wire netting in sensitive areas, while Special Branch and Intelligence Bureau teams are actively monitoring compliance.
A GIS-based QR registration system has been introduced for manufacturers, sellers, traders, transporters and kite-flying associations at the street level. This system allows real-time tracking and accountability, complemented by a reward-based reporting mechanism to encourage citizens and stakeholders to report violations. Extensive awareness campaigns have been conducted and traffic police have installed over 1.4 million safety rods on motorcycles to reduce risks associated with kite strings.
The objective is clear: celebrate Basant safely, responsibly and within the law. The city of Lahore has been divided into three zones -- Red, Yellow, and Green -- for safety and security arrangements, based on data from past incidents. All planning and deployment of resources are carried out according to this zoning to ensure maximum safety for citizens. To facilitate festival goers, the CM has launched the Free Basant Ride initiative, providing 512 buses covering all types of public transport, along with 6,000 three-wheeler rickshaws, collectively facilitating around 600,000 trips per day across Lahore on the 6th, 7th, and 8th of February. This initiative ensures safe, convenient and accessible transport for all attendees.
A comprehensive contingency framework has been put in place. Health Department, Rescue 1122, emergency services, civil defence, hospitals and law enforcement agencies are operating on high alert with additional staffing and rapid response protocols. As many as 200 clinics on wheels and 20 field hospitals have been deployed, with all hospitals remaining on high alert. Integrated command centres monitor real-time feeds, while district administrations have deployed field teams for immediate intervention in case of any violation or emergency.
Security planning has been coordinated with intelligence agencies to ensure swift responses to potential risks. Public safety remains the chief minister’s top priority, and she is set to celebrate a safe Basant with the people of Punjab and Pakistan. Public response to Basant has been incredible, particularly from the younger generation, many of whom have never witnessed the festival before. Markets are buzzing, historical kite-flying zones are alive with excitement, and citizens are following safety SOPs responsibly, reflecting both their excitement and the thrill of the festival. The city is draped in Basant themes, rooftops are booked and decorated, and the tallest kite ever stands proudly at the heart of Lahore.
The atmosphere is magical, festive, and almost unreal, combining tradition, celebration and safety like never before. Early indicators also show strong economic activity, benefiting tourism, local businesses, transport and kite manufacturing, proving that a safe, regulated Basant can revive culture while supporting livelihoods.
Maryam has said the government will conduct a detailed post-event evaluation, based on safety outcomes, compliance levels and overall impact. Any decision regarding expansion to other cities or future kite-flying permissions will be evidence-based and safety-driven. The priority is to first demonstrate that Basant can be celebrated responsibly under strict regulations; future policy decisions will follow after a comprehensive review.
