- CM Maryam Nawaz unveils citywide free transport, surveillance and strict enforcement plan
- Says Basant allowed only in Lahore from Feb 6–8, kite-flying banned elsewhere in Punjab
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday appealed to citizens to strictly observe safety measures during Basant celebrations, while thanking the public for their enthusiastic response to the festival. She clarified that permission for Basant had been granted only in Lahore from February 6 to 8, while kite-flying would remain strictly banned across the rest of Punjab.
The chief minister said the public response to the Basant pilot project had exceeded expectations, adding that other cities would be considered only after a comprehensive assessment of its success, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
My dear Lahories ‼️
Your safety and wellbeing matter to me. If you are celebrating Basant and your rooftop does not have a permanent wall or railing, please secure it temporarily with tightly tied, three tiered nylon ropes to prevent any mishaps.
May Allah protect you all.…
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 3, 2026
Describing Basant as a centuries-old cultural tradition of Punjab, she urged people to celebrate the festival with joy while ensuring their own safety and that of others. She said all relevant departments had worked in coordination to make Basant foolproof across the provincial capital.
پنجاب کا اپنا کلچر بہت خوبصورت اور رچ ہے۔ پنجابی، سرائیکی، پوٹھوہاری اور اردو کو غلط طور پر پسماندگی سے جوڑا گیا، مگر اب مقامی زبانوں کے بورڈز کے ذریعے یہ سوچ بدلی جا رہی ہے تاکہ نئی نسل اپنی زبان اور شناخت پر فخر کرے!@MaryamNSharif pic.twitter.com/1a9U19Xzg7
— Maryam Nawaz Updates (@MNS_Updates) February 3, 2026
The chief minister announced free travel facilities during the festival, including 419 buses, metro bus services, the Orange Line train and 6,000 Yango rickshaws. She said more than 700,000 motorcycles in Lahore had been fitted with safety rods, while free safety-rod installation camps had been established across the city.
Outlining the approved kite specifications, she said the kite size would be 35×30 inches, the spool size 40×34 inches, and only cotton string comprising nine threads would be permitted. She warned that the use of metallic wire, chemical string or other prohibited materials would invite strict legal action. She added that kites and string could also be sourced from outside Lahore, if required.
The chief minister said kite flying would be strictly prohibited in civil aviation areas and that only registered manufacturers, sellers, traders and associations would be allowed to supply QR code–embedded kites and string. She added that thermal drone surveillance, including night-time monitoring, was being conducted across all areas with real-time oversight.
She said the government did not wish to punish citizens but stressed that enforcement of the law was essential for public safety. She added that QR codes on every kite and spool would enable real-time tracking.
The chief minister said emergency arrangements had been finalised, including the deployment of ambulances, fire brigade vehicles and motorcycle rescue units, while assistant commissioners were heading quick response teams in every tehsil of Lahore. She added that dangerous buildings had been surveyed and fitness certificates obtained.
She warned that violations of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act and its rules could lead to imprisonment ranging from five to seven years and fines of up to Rs5 million. Lahore has been divided into three zones — high-risk, yellow and green — with dedicated safety camps established in each zone.
The chief minister said Basant had generated economic activity worth billions of rupees, benefiting kite manufacturers as well as the hotel and restaurant industry. She added that the festival was now gaining international recognition, with the government committed to promoting Punjab’s culture globally while ensuring a safe environment.
DGPR Launches First DSNG and OB Van
The Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) Punjab has launched its first DSNG and OB van, marking a major step forward in government media outreach. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz formally inaugurated the project and inspected the vehicle.
The chief minister also met the staff of the DSNG and OB van project, while Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bokhari gave a detailed briefing.
It was stated that the DSNG and OB van would be utilised across Punjab for high-quality live news coverage and outdoor broadcasting. For the first time, an advanced artificial intelligence-based audio and video transmission system has been installed in the vehicle.
Officials said the state-of-the-art DSNG and OB van would ensure uninterrupted satellite uplink and broadcasting, and would also be used for mobile live streaming and field-based production. A ground station has been made functional at DGPR, while AI-powered drones can also be utilised under the project.
CM Expresses Grief Over Toba Tek Singh Accident
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow and grief over the deaths of seven people in a bus-rickshaw collision in Toba Tek Singh.
In a statement, the chief minister extended her sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families.
