Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that a three-day Basant festival will be held in Lahore on February 6, 7 and 8.
She stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, and in line with the vision of Mian Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government is reviving the vibrant colors, traditions and cultural festivities of Punjab.
Basant, she said, is a historic symbol of Punjab’s culture, joy and heritage, and will be celebrated with full enthusiasm.
Azma Bokhari stated that strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be implemented during the Basant festival to ensure safety of citizens, allowing people to enjoy the celebrations in a safe, pleasant and responsible environment.
The minister reiterated that the government considers public happiness, preservation of cultural heritage, and protection of citizens’ lives and property as its foremost priorities, which is why the concept of a “Mehfooz Basant” is being practically implemented.
Commissioner Lahore Marryam Khan has chaired a comprehensive meeting to review preparations for “Safe Basant 2026” in the provincial capital, scheduled from February 6 to 8. The meeting focused on safety, rescue, and cleanliness arrangements across Lahore to ensure a secure celebration of the festival.
Under the plan, the city has been divided into three zones-Red, Yellow, and Green-based on risk assessment.
The Commissioner directed all food suppliers to immediately implement safety measures, including mounting safety rods/antennas on motorcycles. Public building safety surveys are being conducted across walled city of Lahore, with warning notices to be issued where risks are identified. Wall City Public Safety and LESCO teams have been deployed in the field to ensure precautionary measures, while similar teams are active in suburban areas.
The Commissioner informed that a central Basant Command and Control Centre has been established at the DC Office Lahore. Rescue 1122 is tasked with operations in crowded areas, while the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has launched a special cleanliness campaign that will continue until the end of Basant. All departments will work round-the-clock before and during Basant, with field teams continuously monitoring operations alongside district administration and police support.
Maryram Khan emphasized that kite flying will be strictly prohibited across Lahore before February 6. During the festival, free rides will be provided for citizens, and safety rods/wires will be distributed to motorcyclists through road safety camps. Under the Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, riders are required to install protective rods/wires, while citizens are urged to contribute to safe celebrations.
The meeting was attended by DIG Operations Dr. Faisal Kamran, DC Lahore Captain (R) Ali Ejaz, Director Javed Chauhan, DG Walled City Lahore Authority Najm-ul-Saqib, ADCG Zakir Fida, Rescue 1122, and officials from MCL, WASA, LWMC, Transport, PERA force, Energy Department, and Civil Defence.