Lahore to Celebrate “Mehfooz Basant” With Strict Safety Rules for Motorcyclists

Lahore is set to host a three-day Basant festival next month, with the city administration introducing strict safety measures to ensure public protection during the celebrations. The festival, titled “Mehfooz Basant,” will take place on February 6, 7, and 8 and will be limited to the Lahore district only.

One of the most important safety steps announced will directly impact motorcyclists. Under the Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, all motorcycles must be fitted with safety rods, and bikes without them will not be allowed on city roads during the festival days. Lahore Commissioner Maryam Khan shared these details while chairing a meeting with kite flying associations, police officials, and district administration representatives.

To facilitate the public, authorities plan to set up around 100 road safety camps across Lahore, where an estimated one million safety rods will be installed. According to officials, these camps will have the capacity to fit safety rods on 50,000 to 60,000 motorcycles per day, helping riders comply with the new requirement before and during Basant.

The commissioner clarified that kite flying will remain banned until February 6. Kite manufacturing and preparation of related materials will be allowed only within Lahore, while kite sales will officially begin on February 1 and continue until February 8. This controlled approach aims to prevent the spread of illegal kite trade and reduce safety risks.

Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against violators. So far, 204 cases have already been registered against illegal kite flying. Only registered manufacturers, traders, and sellers with valid No Objection Certificates (NOCs) will be permitted to operate during the festival.

In addition, police and traffic authorities are expected to increase patrols, manage traffic flow, and monitor sensitive areas to prevent accidents and misuse of kite strings. Public awareness campaigns will also be launched to encourage citizens to follow safety rules and cooperate with law enforcement.

Maryam Khan urged kite flying associations and the general public to play their part in making Basant a joyful yet safe celebration, emphasizing that the goal of “Mehfooz Basant” is to preserve the cultural spirit of the festival without putting lives at risk.