LAHORE: The district administration has launched a citywide campaign to install safety rods on motorcycles to protect riders from kite strings.

The campaign was inaugurated at Azadi Chowk by Commissioner Maryam Khan, Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana, and Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Dr. Athar Waheed.

A road safety camp was set up on Yadgar Road, Azadi Chowk, where free safety rods were installed on motorcycles. The commissioner, CCPO, and CTO reviewed the installation process and emphasised strict enforcement of safety measures during Basant.

On the other hand, the Punjab government on Tuesday directed all public sector universities and colleges in Lahore to place their buses at the disposal of the district administration to ensure free transport for the public during the three-day ‘Safe Basant’ celebrations from Feb 6 to 8.

Colleges, universities told to provide buses along with drivers to administration to ensure ‘Safe Basant’ activity

According to officials, the Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) issued instructions to vice chancellors, principals, and administrations of public sector universities and colleges to provide buses along with drivers for three days. The move aims to facilitate citizens, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance public safety during the cultural festival.

The HED deputy secretary conveyed the directions to educational institutions through official communication, including WhatsApp messages, asking them to fully cooperate with the government initiative.

The decision comes as part of a broader ‘Mehfooz Basant’ plan being implemented by the Punjab government, Lahore district administration, and law-enforcement agencies to ensure safe and regulated celebrations within the limits of Lahore district.

Meanwhile, speaking to the media, Commissioner Maryam Khan said free ride services would be available across the city during the three-day festival and made it clear that no motorcycle would be allowed on Lahore’s roads without a safety rod. She reiterated that ‘Safe Basant’ would be celebrated strictly within Lahore district on Feb 6, 7, and 8, and kite flying would not be permitted before Feb 6.

She further stated that the sale of kites and strings would be allowed only from Feb 1 to 8, while manufacturing of kite-flying material would be restricted to Lahore district alone. Only registered manufacturers, traders, and sellers would be allowed to operate, and all must display valid NOCs. Online registration of businesses is underway through the “e-Biz” app, with licences being cleared within three days.

CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana warned that strict legal action would be taken against violations of Basant-related laws, including aerial firing and non-compliance with safety regulations. “Ensuring the safety of citizens is our top priority, and there will be zero tolerance for violations,” he said.

CTO Lahore Dr. Athar Waheed said 100 road safety camps have been established across the city, where safety rods are being installed on 50,000 to 60,000 motorcycles daily. He added that more than one million safety rods would be installed to ensure maximum protection for motorcyclists during Basant.

Officials said all departments, including police, traffic police, district administration, and educational institutions, would work in close coordination to ensure that ‘Safe Basant’ is celebrated peacefully, safely, and in accordance with the law.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2026