Lahore awoke on Friday to a burst of colour as Basant returned to the city after nearly two decades, with vibrant kites dotting the winter sky and residents eager to relive one of Punjab’s most cherished cultural traditions. The long-awaited revival has drawn large crowds from across the country and abroad, filling hotels and guest […]
public safety
Lahore High Court issues notices over Bhatti Gate manhole deaths
LAHORE, February 3, 2026 — The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday issued notices to the Punjab government and other respondents in a petition seeking accountability for the deaths of a mother and her 10-month-old daughter, who fell into an open manhole near Bhatti Gate. Read More: 3 held after woman, daughter die from falling […]
Sindh government orders judicial probe into Gul Plaza fire
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced on Thursday that the provincial government has decided to initiate a judicial inquiry into the Gul Plaza tragedy, which claimed the lives of 80 people. The move aims to ensure accountability and transparency in the investigation. The minister stated that the inquiry will be conducted through a judicial […]
Punjab children violating kite flying law to face heavy fines
LAHORE: Children found violating the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance-2025 will face strict penalties, including fines, under the Juvenile Justice System Act-2018, authorities said on Tuesday. Read More: PA passes stringent bill regulating kite–flying The ordinance stipulates that minors who contravene the law will be fined Rs50,000 for a first offence and Rs100,000 for repeat […]
Punjab tightens basant with song ban rules
The Punjab government has banned 132 Punjabi songs from being played during Basant celebrations, aiming to stop the spread of lyrics it calls suggestive, vulgar, or socially inappropriate. The decision applies to all public and private spaces, including rooftops, wedding halls, commercial venues, and street gatherings, where Basant-related events take place across the province. Authorities […]
Punjab Revives Basant in Lahore Under a Safety Focused Governance Framework
The Government of Punjab has officially announced the revival of Basant in Lahore under #PhirAaiBasant, restoring a long-standing cultural tradition through a structured and safety-focused governance framework. The revival is rooted in the vision of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz Sharif, reflecting the provincial government’s broader commitment to preserving Punjab’s cultural heritage while addressing […]
CM Murad greenlights Rs21.5bn Karachi overhaul
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah approved a Rs21.53 billion package for Karachi’s infrastructure upgrades. The package includes Rs13 billion for road repairs and rehabilitation. CM Murad emphasized speedy execution, transparency, and high-quality work for public safety. The decision was made at a meeting attended by Local Government Minister Nasir Shah, Karachi Mayor Murtaza […]
First phase of Karachi Safe City Project to launch in two months
KARACHI: The first phase of the Karachi Safe City Project is set to be formally launched within two months, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced on Thursday, as trial operations of the surveillance system are already underway. Read More: Officials visit Karachi Safe City Project Speaking at a meeting at the Chief Minister House, […]
Punjab orders rapid fire safety measures after plaza blaze
The Punjab government has directed managements of plazas, schools and hospitals across the province to implement fire safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within two weeks, as authorities move to prevent incidents similar to the recent Gul Plaza fire in Karachi. Read More: Punjab CM orders province-wide fire safety audit immediately Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Thursday, […]
Police submit Basant security plan in LHC
LAHORE: Police on Saturday submitted a detailed report on security arrangements for the upcoming three-day Basant festival to the Lahore High Court (LHC). Read More: Lahore divided into 40 red zones for Basant The festival is scheduled to take place from February 6 to 8, following the passage of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill, […]