Govt tightens SOPs ahead of Basant

The Punjab government reviewed security and safety arrangements for Basant celebrations scheduled in Lahore from February 6 to 8, in line with directions of the Lahore High Court.

The meeting, chaired by Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi, was attended by senior representatives of the district administration, police, health department, Rescue 1122, education authorities, Civil Defence and the Walled City of Lahore Authority.

Officials briefed participants on preparedness measures, while the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) outlined a public awareness campaign to promote safe celebrations.

Dr Qazi said the government was making arrangements to mark Basant as a historic cultural festival of Punjab in a "positive and responsible manner."

He directed teachers at schools, colleges and universities to educate students about safety protocols and instructed the health department, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, police and district administration to remain on high alert during the festival.

The home secretary warned of strict action against violations of Basant standard operating procedures (SOPs).

He ordered a crackdown on the manufacturing, sale and purchase of kites and strings without official barcodes, as well as the production and transportation of banned materials, including metallic and chemical-coated string.