- IGP Rao Abdul Kareem orders high alert for three-day festival, with strict action against aerial firing, weapons display, provocation and obscenity
LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police Rao Abdul Kareem on Friday emphasized that strict compliance with government SOPs and the code of conduct must be ensured for a safe, peaceful, and enjoyable Basant, instructing police officers and personnel to remain on high alert during the three-day festival (6–8 February).
The Punjab IGP clarified that a zero-tolerance policy will be enforced against aerial firing, display of weapons, provocation, indecency, obscenity, or any activity that disrupts public peace. He warned that strict legal action will be taken against the use of metallic, chemical, and prohibited kite strings.
He further stated that bans on kite flying near airports, air routes, sensitive installations, and other prohibited areas remain in effect. Police officers are required to effectively monitor rooftops, streets, and all festival-related activities throughout the three-day event.
According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, during operations under the Anti-Kite Flying Act over the past 24 hours, 193 cases were registered across the province, including Lahore, and 191 suspects were arrested. During these operations, authorities seized 22,755 unauthorized kites and 462 metallic and chemical kite reels.
So far this year, 4,486 individuals involved in the trade of metallic kites and reels have been arrested across the province, and more than 371,000 kites and 8,648 kite reels have been recovered from their possession.
The Punjab IGP directed all RPOs and DPOs to strictly enforce the Anti-Kite Flying Act and take indiscriminate action against kite flyers, manufacturers, and sellers. In Lahore, Basant is permitted only on specific days under strict government regulations.
He further instructed that only registered kite vendors are allowed to sell approved kites and reels, warning that strict legal action will follow any violation. Continuous monitoring will be conducted using drones, Safe City cameras, and binoculars.
The IGP also appealed to citizens to act responsibly, follow the law, and cooperate with the police to protect precious human lives during the festival.
