Safety Rods: The New Fashion Accessory This Basant

News Desk 

Islamabad: As preparations for Basant Festival 2026 gather momentum, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lahore Captain (R) Muhammad Ali Ijaz on Tuesday called for public cooperation and warned of strict legal action against violators, stressing zero tolerance for those ignoring safety measures, particularly motorcyclists.

Speaking exclusively to a local media channel, the DC said the district administration was fully prepared to enforce directives issued by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the festival. He warned that any violation of the law would invite strict and uncompromising action.

“Maintaining public safety and order remains our top priority,” Ali Ijaz said, adding that there was no room for negligence or disregard of official instructions. He appealed to citizens to play their part in ensuring a smooth and successful celebration, saying public cooperation is essential to prevent accidents and maintain discipline.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/four-day-holiday-likely-in-lahore-for-basant-celebrations/

The DC emphasized that only through collective responsibility and adherence to regulations can the festival be held safely and in an organized manner.

Authorities said all police, paramilitary and administrative forces would be on high alert and deployed across Lahore during the Basant celebrations. The Punjab government has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the festival, which will be held from February 6 to 8, with public safety as the top priority.

Under the regulated framework, kites will be sold only through authorized stalls, cotton thread will be permitted, and hazardous materials will be strictly banned. Lahore will be divided into red, yellow and green zones, with motorbike movement restricted in red zones to vehicles fitted with safety rods. Riding without a safety rod will carry a Rs2,000 fine.

The DC also announced that authorities would provide free transport during the festival and distribute over one million safety rods free of cost to ensure the safety of riders and participants.

Under CM directives, security arrangements will include deployment of police forces, monitoring through CCTV cameras and drones, and operation of special control rooms at the Safe City Authority and the commissioner’s office to maintain law and order during Basant 2026.