Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said all relevant institutions are fully mobilised to ensure safe Basant celebrations, stressing that the provincial government is determined to revive Punjab’s cultural traditions while prioritising public safety.
Speaking at a review meeting of the kite festival in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz said Punjab’s culture would be promoted in a vibrant and meaningful way, adding that the government aims to “bring joy back to the people of Punjab.”
She announced that free travel facilities would be provided on 500 buses over three days. In addition, Orange Line trains, Metro buses and electric buses will also operate free of charge during Basant. The chief minister described this as a gift of 500,000 free trips for the public during the three-day festival.
Maryam Nawaz further said the Punjab government would distribute one million safety rods to motorcycle riders to prevent accidents caused by sharp kite strings. She warned that the use of illegal or dangerous kite string would result in a prison sentence of up to five years.
She also announced that entry into red zones without safety rods would be prohibited during the festival.
The chief minister said her government had eliminated an atmosphere of riots, unrest and disorder in Punjab, and that Basant would be celebrated responsibly to ensure public safety while preserving cultural heritage.
