Lahore police will begin fining motorcyclists who ride without safety rods starting February 1, Capital City Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana announced Wednesday.
The announcement came at a ceremony at the Town Hall launching the installation of safety rods and a public awareness campaign under the “Safe Basant” initiative. The event was attended by Lahore Commissioner Maryam Khan, Lahore CTO Athar Waheed, Deputy Commissioner (retired) Capt Ali Ijaz, and representatives from Rescue 1122, health, education, LDA, and PHA.
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During the event, safety rods were installed on motorcycles, and informational pamphlets were distributed to raise public awareness. CCPO Kamyana said the initiative aims to protect lives and property, adding that one million motorcycles will receive safety rods free of cost.
Kamyana reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for aerial firing during Basant and warned of strict legal action against violators. A special traffic management plan has also been developed for the festival.
He reported that police have registered 1,078 cases and arrested 1,115 individuals so far this month in operations against illegal kite flying. Authorities also seized more than 40,000 illegally manufactured and sold kites and 926 spools. Kite flying will only be allowed on February 6, 7, and 8, with strict penalties for violations outside these dates.
The CCPO also stated that parents or guardians of children caught flying kites illegally will face legal action. Round-the-clock monitoring will be carried out through CCTV cameras and drones at special control rooms managed by the Safe City Authority and the commissioner’s office.
Kamyana urged media outlets to help promote safe celebrations during the Basant festival.
