City to celebrate Basant with strict safety measures, says Home Dept

LAHORE – Secretary Home Punjab Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi presided over a high-level meeting to review security and safety arrangements for the safe conduct of Basant in Lahore. The meeting reviewed arrangements for holding Safe Basant in Lahore on March 12, 13 and 14, 2027, in accordance with the directions of the Government of Punjab, and issued necessary instructions to the relevant departments. It was reiterated that a strict ban on kite flying across Punjab would remain in force before and after the designated dates, and legal action would be taken against violations. Speaking at the meeting, Secretary Home Punjab Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi said that the Home Department had issued comprehensive safety guidelines to protect human lives and that all necessary safety arrangements would be completed before Basant. He said that kite flying would not be permitted on any unsafe or structurally unsound rooftop during Basant. Rooftop walls and grills must be at least three and a half feet high and structurally sound. The owners of buildings would be responsible for ensuring that rooftops used for kite flying are safe and structurally fit. The Secretary Home directed that repairs to rooftops, parapets and stairways at authorised locations be completed before Basant. Building owners are directed to complete all safety arrangements by December 31, 2026. He further directed the Deputy Commissioner Lahore to conduct comprehensive inspections of rooftops of old buildings and houses. In case of an unsatisfactory assessment, kite flying would remain prohibited even during Basant on weak buildings and unsafe rooftops. Building owners are required to ensure that the closely located electricity wires are properly covered and the rooftop environment is made safe before Basant. The Secretary Home directed City Traffic Police Lahore to install safety rods on more than two million motorcycles free of cost before Basant, while LESCO would ensure timely protection of all relevant installations through safety netting. The Deputy Commissioner Lahore would issue permits during the current month for the manufacture, transportation and sale of kites and kite string, subject to the prescribed limits and requirements. During Basant, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) would be responsible for safely removing and disposing of kites entangled in trees and LESCO would complete the same operation on electricity poles and wires. The Secretary Home further directed that safety certificates would be mandatory for lifts in buildings during Basant, while the storage of inflammable material on rooftops would be prohibited. First-aid equipment would also be mandatory at all authorised locations. He said that ensuring the safety of children during kite flying would be the primary responsibility of parents, guardians and event organisers. Building owners and organisers would have a joint responsibility to ensure all necessary safety measures for children and other participants on rooftops. The Secretary Home said that authorised officers of the district administration, police and relevant departments would inspect rooftops being used for kite flying. The Deputy Commissioner would have the authority to seal any building found to be in violation of the directions or law. The owner of a building and the organiser would be held responsible for any accident, loss of life, injury or violation of law occurring during Basant. Organisers would be required to ensure strict compliance with all applicable laws and safety guidelines. Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi urged the citizens in the strongest terms to prioritize human life over recreational activity and strictly comply with all laws and safety instructions. The Secretary Home made it clear that a complete ban on kite flying would remain in force before and after March 12, 13 and 14, 2027. Kite flying before or after the designated Basant dates would carry a punishment of up to 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 2 million, while the manufacture, transportation or sale of kites and kite string without prior government permission would carry a punishment of up to 7 years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 5 million. He further said that causing inconvenience or harassment to residents and the public, or engaging in indecent or inappropriate behaviour, would be strictly prohibited. Citizens are urged to report any unsafe, illegal or inappropriate activity to Emergency Helpline 15. 4. 32m students register for CM’s E-Bike Scheme in two days The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Home Zainab Khan, Commissioner Lahore, Deputy Commissioner Lahore, DIG Operations Lahore, CTO Lahore, Additional Secretary Internal Security, Additional Secretary Judicial, Director Law, Director Civil Defence Punjab, and officers from LESCO, PHA, Walled City of Lahore Authority and LDA.

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