LAHORE: As preparations for the three-day Basant Festival-2027, to be held from March 12 to 14, have already begun, the government has announced a series of measures to ensure safe and peacefulcelebration of the cultural event, having its roots in the city’s history.
A meeting held in this regard on Monday ordered different steps, including restricting kiteflying activities strictly to the three designated days, launching an immediate and indiscrim-inate crackdown on the sale of illegal kite strings and prohibited raw materials, and initiating a campaign to install safety rods on motorcycles.
The authorities also called for regulating the prices of bamboo and other raw materials and ensuring close coordination among all relevant departments to put in place foolproof security arrangements.
The meeting was jointly presided over by the PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif’s aide Waqar Ahmed, Lahore Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Faisal KamranandDeputyCommissionerretired Capt Muhammad Ali Ijaz.
Assistant Commissioner (HR) Waqas Anjum, representatives of kite-flying associations and other administrative and police officials also attended the meeting.
Representatives of the associations presented proposals regarding the prices of raw materials and ensuring a competitive market.
The participants also discussed ways to facilitate interdistrict trade to encourage the participation of low-income groups in the festival.
Mr Ahmed said the participation of lower-income groups in the festival would be ensured, addingthat licensed kite-flying permit holders would be allowed to operate freely while adhering to the prescribed rules and regulations.
The deputy commissioner said the protection of citizens’ lives and property remained the administration’s top priority and made it clear that kite-flying would not be allowed outside the officially designated dates.
The DIG said stringent security arrangements would remain in place before, during and after the festival, as in Basant 2026, as the authorities are determined to ensure peaceful celebrations in 2027 as well.