Inspector General of Punjab Police Rao Abdul Karim visited the Walled City area of Mochi Gate to review security arrangements before the three-day Basant Festival began in Lahore on Thursday night.
During the visit, Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran and other police officers were present. DIG Faisal briefed the IG on the security plan put in place for the festival.
IG Karim directed the Lahore Police to ensure strict implementation of the government’s code of conduct to guarantee a safe Basant for citizens. He stated that Punjab Police have made complete preparations to maintain law and order during the celebrations.
According to the IG, Lahore Police have registered 1,600 cases over violation of the Kite Flying Act. More than 10,000 police officers and officials have been deployed across the city to provide security during the festival, while additional traffic personnel have been assigned in anticipation of visitors arriving from other cities.
Rao Abdul Karim said the city has been divided into three zones for effective security management. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against the use of metal and chemical-coated strings and any violation of government-imposed bans.
He added that surveillance is being carried out with the help of drones and CCTV cameras. “Citizens should obey the law, as it will be difficult to escape if they violate it,” the IG said, adding that no one would be given any leniency.
The IG said that, on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, citizens have been fully informed about Basant SOPs. He appealed to the public to ensure compliance with the guidelines to make the festival safe for everyone.