The Punjab Government has officially announced an extension in Basant celebrations across the provincial capital, allowing the festivities to continue until 5:00 am on Monday. This decision marks a significant moment in the cultural history of Lahore, following a 25-year gap since the festival was last celebrated with such official sanction and scale.
Maryam Nawaz Announces Extension as Reward for Discipline
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took to X (formerly Twitter) to declare the extension, citing the exemplary behavior of the citizens. According to the Chief Minister, the decision to extend the kite-flying festival is a “reward for the people of Lahore” who demonstrated remarkable discipline.
The government noted that the public largely adhered to the strict safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding rooftop safety and the avoidance of dangerous materials. The CM emphasized that the “magnificent Basant celebrations” were fueled by energy, unity, and joy, reflecting a positive image of Pakistan.
صرف ایک کلک، اور ہر اہم خبر سب سے پہلے آپ کے موبائل پر
ابھی جوائن کریںThe “Safe Basant” Pilot Project and Medical Infrastructure
This year’s event was treated as a pilot project to determine if the festival could be revived permanently. To ensure the concept of a Safe Basant was realized, the administration launched an unprecedented medical safety grid.
The government deployed 200 Clinics on Wheels and established 21 field hospitals in high-density areas, including Liberty and the Walled City. These measures were taken to provide immediate medical assistance in case of any kite-flying related injuries. CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted that the non-use of metallic wire kept transformers safe and prevented widespread power outages, a common issue in previous decades.
Safety Guidelines and String Regulations
While the extension of festivities allows for more time, the Punjab Home Department has reiterated that strict bans remain in place to protect motorcyclists and pedestrians.
- Cotton String Only: Only simple cotton thread is permitted for kite flying.
- Metallic and Chemical String Ban: The manufacturing and use of metallic string or chemical-coated twine is strictly prohibited.
- Prohibited Imagery: Kites bearing images of political figures, religious places, or national flags are banned.
- Rooftop Security: Citizens are urged to secure their rooftops and stay away from electric wires to prevent falls and electrocution.
Context of the Saturday Cancellation
It is important to note that the Punjab Government had previously cancelled all Basant-related events on Saturday. This decision was made to show solidarity with the victims of a deadly blast at an Imambargah in Islamabad on Friday. CM Maryam Nawaz termed the incident a “national tragedy,” pausing the celebrations for 24 hours before resuming them on Sunday with the new 5:00 am deadline.
Accident Statistics and Casualties
Despite the extensive precautionary measures, the revival of the festival was not without challenges. Reports indicate that the control room received notification of 118 Basant-related accident cases. Tragically, there were six casualties reported during the initial days, primarily due to falls from rooftops and electrocution incidents where individuals attempted to climb poles to retrieve kites. Approximately 112 injuries were attributed to twine cuts, highlighting the continued need for vigilance regarding banned string usage.
صرف ایک کلک، اور ہر اہم خبر سب سے پہلے آپ کے موبائل پر
ابھی جوائن کریںFuture Implications for Punjab
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction that the people of Lahore upheld the government’s trust. She announced that based on the success of this pilot in Lahore, the Safe Basant model will likely be adopted in other cities across Punjab. The focus remains on maintaining a joyful environment while ensuring that the “historic return” of the festival remains memorable for its festivity rather than tragedy.
