Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has reiterated that the ban on kite flying will remain in force even after the conclusion of the three-day Basant festival, as Lahore witnessed a record influx of around 900,000 vehicles during the celebrations.
A record was set in Lahore as approximately 900,000 vehicles entered the city over a three-day period during the Basant festival.
The announcement came during a special video-link meeting held under the supervision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb presented a comprehensive report on the festival arrangements.
According to the report, public transport services — including the Orange Line Metro Train, Metrobus, feeder buses, electric buses, and other government-run transport — experienced unprecedented usage. Nearly 1.4 million passengers traveled on these services over two days, setting a new record.
On Friday, 299,000 passengers availed free travel on the Orange Line Metro Train, followed by 305,000 on Saturday. In total, more than 600,000 passengers benefited from free rides on the Orange Line over two days. Metrobus services also saw heavy usage, with 143,000 passengers on Friday and 135,000 on Saturday traveling free of charge.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction with the administrative arrangements and security measures during the Basant festival. She appreciated the cooperation shown by Lahore’s residents and emphasized that the continuation of the kite flying ban is essential to ensure public safety.
It is noteworthy that the timing of Basant celebrations in Lahore was extended until 5:00am. The Chief Minister termed this extension a reward for the people of Lahore, stating that citizens adhered responsibly to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
She urged the public to continue celebrating Basant safely and to help make the festival a pleasant, secure, and memorable occasion for all.
