Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a three-day Basant festival and announced free transport facilities across Lahore during the celebrations. The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister, where key arrangements and safety measures were finalised.

Addressing the meeting, Maryam Nawaz said she had come to restore joy to the people of Punjab, adding that citizens had long been deprived of healthy entertainment. She said Punjab is a land of lively and warm-hearted people, and everyone has the right to celebrate happiness, regardless of religion or culture.

The chief minister said Basant is an 800-year-old tradition that signals the arrival of spring and represents Punjab’s cultural heritage. She announced that a government-sponsored and fully organised Basant would be held on February 6, 7 and 8, marking the first official celebration of its kind.

To ensure public safety, Lahore has been divided into red, yellow and green zones. Kite flying will only be allowed on specified days, using cotton string made of nine threads, while nylon, metallic wire, large kites and string reels are strictly banned. Violations may result in up to five years in prison and fines of up to Rs5,000,000.

Also Read: PDMA issues weather alert as rain, snowfall forecast across KP

Over 2,150 manufacturers and traders have been registered, while more than 600 cases were already registered against illegal kite flying ahead of the event. The government has also installed free safety rods on one million motorcycles.

Under the Basant transport plan, 500 buses will operate, and travel on Orange Line, Metro Bus, electric and feeder buses will be free. Thousands of free rides via rickshaws will also be available to discourage motorcycle use and prevent accidents. CCTV cameras and drones will monitor the festival round the clock.