LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz applauded the residents of Lahore for strictly adhering to safety SOPs during the three-day Basant festival and announced a five-hour extension of celebrations on Sunday.
In a statement, the chief minister commended citizens for honoring the government’s trust. “I am happy that Lahoris lived up to our confidence. Lahore is very happy today, and so am I,” she said.
Ms Sharif highlighted that public cooperation was central to ensuring a safe Basant, noting that people followed all prescribed rules and regulations. She added that the idea of celebrating Basant with joy while maintaining safety was embraced throughout the city.
According to her, there were no incidents involving banned kites or illegal strings beyond approved specifications. Basant activities were carried out safely on rooftops in line with SOPs, and the absence of metallic strings helped protect electricity transformers across the provincial capital.
The CM said rooftop safety measures proved successful and announced plans to expand the “Safe Basant” initiative to other cities beyond Lahore.
She also shared that 200 Clinics on Wheels and 21 field hospitals were stationed across the city, including areas such as Liberty Chowk and the Walled City, to ensure public safety.
Concluding her message, she reminded citizens that Sunday marked the final day of Basant celebrations and urged them to remain cautious.
Meanwhile, members of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order (CCLO) marked the last day of Basant on the rooftop of Government Victoria Girls Higher Secondary School, Mori Gate. They praised both locals and foreign visitors for celebrating responsibly while following all SOPs.
Talking to the media, CCLO Chairman Khawaja Salman Rafique said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz made a commendable decision by reviving Basant in Lahore after two decades. He also appreciated the role of the media in spreading awareness about safety guidelines, which contributed to the smooth conduct of the festival.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Muhammad Iqbal said participants thoroughly enjoyed the festival and assured that even better arrangements would be made next year.
Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi echoed similar views, stating that Basant was celebrated safely and joyfully. He added that the festival would return next year not only to Lahore but also to other districts.
