Lahore is set to host a three-day Basant festival next month, with authorities announcing comprehensive safety arrangements ahead of the celebrations. A major measure introduced this year will directly impact motorcyclists, as the use of safety rods on all motorcycles will be made mandatory during the event.
Lahore Commissioner Maryam Khan stated that the festival, titled “Mehfooz Basant,” will take place on February 6, 7, and 8 and will be restricted to the limits of Lahore district. She shared these details while presiding over a high-level meeting attended by representatives of kite-flying associations, senior police officials, and members of the district administration.
Under the Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, motorcycles lacking safety rods will not be permitted to operate on city roads throughout the three-day Basant celebrations. To facilitate compliance, authorities plan to install approximately one million safety rods across Lahore through 100 designated road safety camps.
Officials informed the meeting that these camps will have the capacity to install safety rods on around 50,000 to 60,000 motorcycles per day. Maryam Khan further clarified that kite flying will remain completely banned until February 6. She added that the manufacturing of kites and related materials will only be allowed within Lahore district, while the sale of kites will begin on February 1 and continue until the final day of Basant on February 8.
The commissioner issued a clear warning that any violations of the rules would result in strict legal action. Officials revealed that so far, 204 cases have already been registered against individuals involved in illegal kite flying activities.
Maryam Khan emphasized that only registered manufacturers, traders, and sellers holding valid no-objection certificates will be permitted to operate during the festival. She urged kite-flying associations and the public to cooperate fully with authorities to ensure that Basant is celebrated in a safe, organized, and responsible manner, prioritizing public safety above all else.
