Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on Tuesday that 90 per cent of motorcyclists in Lahore have installed safety rods ahead of the return of the Basant festival.
Addressing a public event, she said Basant dates back to 1250 and is linked to the arrival of spring and the wheat harvest. She added that legislation related to Basant has been completed and strict safety measures have been enforced. The chief minister said 10,000 police personnel and 2,500 wardens have been deployed in Lahore to maintain law and order during the festival.
CM Maryam said that the responsibility of the political leaders is to serve the people, not to stage protests outside prisons. She said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are tired of unrest and did not respond to recent protest calls.
She said that in recent years political differences were turned into hostility, public property was set on fire and young people were trained in disorder and false narratives, causing irreparable damage. She added that when foreign delegations visit Pakistan, an atmosphere of fear only benefits the country’s enemies.
The chief minister said every city in Punjab has been turned into a Safe City, with the province making extensive use of modern technology. She said special attention is being given to the development of family parks across Punjab.
She announced that a new law is being introduced in Punjab under which those involved in stealing manhole covers will be punished. She said efforts had been underway for the past six to eight months to ensure manhole covers are installed across the province.
Maryam Nawaz said Basant has revived 10 to 12 industries, including drum makers, and has also created employment opportunities for people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. She said people from across Pakistan and abroad are visiting Lahore.
She said the province will continue its work during Ramadan and urged parents to take care of their children and ensure safety during celebrations.
