Lahore: ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has confirmed that the Basant Festival 2026 will be held in Lahore only from 6–8 February under strict regulatory controls after nearly two decades of suspension, with kite flying prohibited elsewhere in the province under the new Kite Flying Regulations Bill, 2025. Free public transport will be provided across the city for the three days, with 500 public buses operating free of charge, and metro services including the Orange Line, Green Line, Metro Bus, and electric buses also running free, enabling around 500,000 free trips over the festival period to discourage motorcycle use and reduce road risks. Authorities will also deploy approximately 5,000 free rickshaws across Lahore to support safe mobility. Lahore has been divided into Red, Yellow, and Green zones for safety and traffic management, and motorcycles without safety rods (antennas) will not be allowed in Red Zones. Over 1 million free safety rods will be distributed and installed at more than 100 road safety camps city‑wide to protect riders from sharp kite strings. In addition, more than 2,150 manufacturers and traders have been registered under the government’s regulatory system, and authorities have already filed over 600 cases, arrested hundreds of individuals, and seized tens of thousands of illegal kites ahead of the festival, while more than 10,000 surety bonds have been secured to ensure compliance. Only cotton kite string with a maximum of nine strands is permitted, and all kite material must be registered with QR codes to allow traceability. Metallic, plastic, or chemically coated strings and charkhis (spinning reels) are banned. Penalties for violations of kite and string regulations include 5 to 7 years imprisonment and heavy fines, with unauthorized kite flying outside the designated dates attracting fines of up to Rs 2 million. Lahore’s Safe City cameras, drones, and two 24/7 control rooms at Safe City headquarters and the Commissioner’s Office will monitor the event, supported by an estimated 4,000 police personnel and emergency services including ambulances, fire brigades, and clinics on wheels. Additional local measures include the implementation of Section 144, restricting kite flying by under‑18s during the three days to enhance public safety.

Lahore: ReNews Pakistan An eight-year-old boy, Wajid Ali, sustained critical injuries after being attacked by a pet lion at a private breeding farm in Lahore’s Sabzazar area, highlighting serious urban safety concerns and gaps in enforcement of residential zoning and animal control regulations.b The incident occurred at Dola Breeding Farm on 80-Feet Road, owned by Umar Iqbal and Ali Iqbal. According to reports, the child had wandered near the lion enclosure while playing when the animal attacked him, seriously injuring his arm. The boy was immediately taken to a local hospital, where doctors were initially told by the farm owners that the injury had occurred in a machinery accident. Due to the severity of the wound, doctors were forced to amputate the child’s arm to save his life. He was later transferred to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for medical-legal procedures and further treatment. The incident has raised alarms regarding residential safety in areas where urban farms or exotic animal breeding facilities operate, particularly on roads like 80-Feet Road, which runs through densely populated residential sectors. Such facilities are often located near homes, creating risks for local residents, especially children. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Lahore, Faisal Kamran, took immediate notice, ordering legal action against the owners. He stated that the owners initially attempted to conceal the incident from police, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Authorities are reviewing compliance with urban land use regulations and animal control laws, including whether breeding exotic animals in residential zones violates municipal and provincial rules. Urban planning and property experts note that residential areas in Lahore are subject to strict zoning laws that typically restrict the keeping of dangerous wild animals due to safety hazards. The Sabzazar incident has highlighted gaps in monitoring and enforcement, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight of land use, urban farms, and captive animal operations in populated neighborhoods. The Lahore administration has indicated plans for enhanced inspections of similar properties, stricter licensing requirements, and public awareness campaigns to prevent such incidents in the future. Residents have been urged to report violations of zoning and safety regulations to authorities to protect public safety and maintain the integrity of urban residential planning.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Punjab Provincial Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique has directed the implementation of the Building Safety Regulations 2022 across the province, ordering strict legal action against any violations. The directive aims to strengthen building safety standards, particularly in public, commercial, and high-occupancy structures. The minister issued the instructions during an official review of emergency preparedness and safety frameworks, emphasizing that non-compliance with approved building regulations poses serious risks to public life and property. He stressed that enforcement agencies must ensure uniform application of the regulations without discrimination. Under the Building Safety Regulations 2022, buildings are required to meet defined standards related to structural stability, fire safety systems, emergency exits, electrical safety, and accessibility for emergency response services. The regulations apply to both newly constructed buildings and existing structures, particularly hospitals, educational institutions, shopping plazas, residential high-rises, and industrial facilities. Khawaja Salman Rafique instructed relevant departments, including district administrations and emergency services, to conduct inspections and identify buildings that fail to meet safety requirements. He directed that violators be proceeded against strictly under the law, including penalties, sealing of unsafe premises where necessary, and mandatory corrective measures. The minister highlighted that enforcement of safety regulations is a preventive measure aimed at reducing casualties during fires, building collapses, and other emergencies. He noted that recent incidents in urban centers have underscored the need for proactive regulation rather than post-incident responses. He further emphasized coordination between emergency services, building control authorities, and local administrations to ensure that safety audits are conducted regularly and deficiencies are addressed promptly. The focus, he said, should remain on protecting human life while ensuring that buildings are used strictly in accordance with their approved purpose and design. The directive forms part of the Punjab government’s broader approach to improving urban safety, regulating land and building use, and strengthening emergency preparedness across cities and towns in the province.