The Punjab government has officially approved a local holiday in Lahore on February 6 in connection with the traditional Basant festival, following a recommendation from the district administration. The decision aims to enable citizens to safely participate in Basant celebrations while maintaining law and order across the city.
According to official sources, the Lahore district administration initially proposed declaring February 5 as a holiday. However, after consultations, the provincial government finalized February 6 as the official local holiday for the city.
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The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lahore has issued safety guidelines to ensure orderly celebrations. Authorities have directed that children under 18 years of age may celebrate Basant only in the presence of their families, stressing responsible participation to maintain public safety and discipline.
The DC said all relevant departments have been instructed to ensure peaceful and secure Basant celebrations, adding that there will be zero tolerance for activities that threaten lives or property. Citizens have been urged to strictly follow official directives.
Meanwhile, Lahore Police have divided the city into Red, Yellow, and Green zones as part of a comprehensive security plan. Densely populated and sensitive areas have been declared Red Zones, where the strictest restrictions will apply. Yellow Zones cover moderately sensitive areas, while Green Zones include comparatively safer localities.
Police officials confirmed that advanced surveillance measures will be in place during Basant, including drone cameras, social media monitoring, and special control rooms to monitor the city round the clock. Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against rooftop drinking, aerial firing, and other illegal activities.
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Crackdown on Chemical-Coated Kite Strings
Ahead of Basant, Lahore Police have also intensified operations against the illegal sale and supply of kites and chemical-coated strings. During raids in Baghbanpura and Shahdara Town, police arrested four suspects and recovered a large quantity of banned material.
According to a police spokesperson, Baghbanpura police arrested two kite dealers, Sohail and Zaheer, seizing a pickup vehicle, around 2,000 kites worth millions of rupees, and 20 reels of chemical-coated string. In a separate operation, Shahdara Town police arrested Faizan and Khalid, recovering 300 kites and 10 reels of chemical-coated string, and registered cases against them.
Police said the suspects were involved in illegal procurement and distribution of kites despite an ongoing ban, reiterating that enforcement will remain strict throughout the Basant period.
Authorities have emphasized that Basant celebrations will be allowed only within the legal framework, warning that violators will face immediate and strict legal action to ensure public safety and order in Lahore.
