LAHORE: The Lahore administration remained active on Friday to monitor and assess the safety arrangements and the awareness campaign for the three-day basant festival that kicked off in the provincial capital shortly after midnight.
Advisor to Chief Minister Zeeshan Malik, Commissioner Lahore Maryam Khan, and Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain Muhammad Ali Ijaz (retd) visited various areas, including Liberty and the inner city. They expressed their satisfaction over the public awareness campaign, saying it was effectively implemented at all levels to ensure the safety of citizens’ lives and property. They averred that exemplary arrangements were made throughout the city and emphasised the need to strictly adhere to the government’s vision of providing safe entertainment.
The deputy commissioner visited the control room of the district administration, including the areas of Lohari and Delhi Gate, to review the arrangements for a safe Basant festival.
During the visit, he inspected the control room and field hospital, instructing the staff to remain alert 24 hours a day. He emphasised that providing citizens with the best medical facilities and necessary medicines during basant is a priority. He also noted that the polio vaccination campaign and arrangements for basant are being conducted simultaneously. All institutions are on high alert to ensure a safe environment for citizens by effectively implementing safety standard operating procedures (SOPs), he added.
Meanwhile, in a message to the people of Lahore, the Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain (R) Muhammad Ali Ijaz urged citizens to prioritise safety during the basant festival with a zero-tolerance policy on safety measures, adding that the administration will implement strict safety protocols and thus, the people must adhere to a code of conduct throughout the mega event.
According to him, administrative officers are currently reviewing the safety of rooftops and public spaces across the city to ensure a secure environment. As people from all over the country flock to Lahore for the festivities, the protection of citizens’ lives and property is the top priority alongside the celebration. Parents are advised to take necessary precautions regarding safety measures on rooftops to protect their children. Moreover, motorcyclists must ensure they wear safety gear before going out on the roads, and people should avoid going near electric wires and poles to prevent accidents.
He urged the people to use only government-approved materials for kite flying, adding that this cultural festival will be a source of joy and memorable experiences for all involved.
Moreover, on the directives of Punjab Maryam Chief Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC)’s sanitation teams launched special cleanliness and washing operations across the city to ensure a clean and pleasant environment during the basant festival.
On the first day of the festival, citywide washing activities and water sprinkling continued in full swing as part of enhanced sanitation measures. The LWMC teams remained engaged in cleaning and washing operations on major roads.
“The sanitation teams would remain active throughout all three days of the festival to keep Lahore clean, beautiful and welcoming for citizens and visitors,” said LWMC.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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