LAHORE: The Punjab government has initiated a citywide drive to install safety rods on motorcycles in Lahore to protect riders from kite strings amid preparations for the upcoming Basant festival.
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The campaign was formally launched at Azadi Chowk, where Commissioner Maryam Khan, Lahore CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana, and CTO Dr Athar Waheed oversaw the installation process. A road safety camp at Yadgar Road offered free safety rods to riders.
Officials stressed that strict enforcement measures would be applied throughout Basant, with Commissioner Khan warning that motorcycles without safety rods would not be permitted on city roads during the festivities. She added that Basant celebrations would be restricted to Lahore district on Feb 6, 7 and 8, with kite flying banned before the official dates.
In a parallel move, the Punjab Higher Education Department directed all public sector colleges and universities to provide buses and drivers for three days of “Safe Basant” celebrations. The initiative is aimed at offering free public transport, easing congestion and enhancing safety during the cultural event.
The orders were communicated to vice chancellors and principals through formal correspondence and messaging channels. Authorities said the decision was part of the broader “Mehfooz Basant” plan being coordinated by the district administration, police, and other departments.
Commissioner Khan also announced that sales of kites and strings would only be allowed from Feb 1 to 8, while production would be restricted to Lahore. Only registered sellers and manufacturers with valid NOCs would be permitted, with online licensing underway through the “e-Biz” application.
Meanwhile, CTO Dr Athar Waheed said that around 100 road safety camps had been set up across Lahore for mass installation of safety rods, with 50,000 to 60,000 motorcycles being fitted daily. He noted that more than one million rods were expected to be installed before Basant.
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Police officials reiterated zero tolerance for violations, including aerial firing and unsafe practices, as departments prepare to ensure regulated festivities within legal boundaries.