Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
In the wake of the Islamabad incident, security in Lahore has been placed on high alert, with authorities implementing enhanced measures to safeguard sensitive and public areas across the city. Law enforcement agencies have intensified monitoring in urban neighborhoods, religious sites, and commercial centers to quickly respond to any potential threats.
CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddiq Kaimana stated that additional personnel have been deployed at imambargahs, mosques, and other places of worship. Security has also been strengthened at entry and exit points, parking areas, and surrounding streets, with special measures in place during religious gatherings and public events.
Patrols have been increased at key public spaces, parks, markets, and shopping centers. Additional teams have been assigned to manage crowds and provide rapid response in high-density areas, ensuring that urban activities continue safely.
Officials said surveillance at Lahore’s entry and exit routes has been intensified, with suspicious vehicles and individuals being checked. The Safe City camera network and control room operations are monitoring urban movement in real time.
Authorities emphasized that protecting urban infrastructure, public spaces, and community areas is the top priority. The enhanced security measures aim to ensure the safety of residents and businesses while enabling immediate action in the event of any emergency.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The newly appointed Inspector General of Police Punjab, Rao Abdul Karim, has issued directives to ensure strict compliance with the Basant Festival safety code. He emphasized that only registered kite sellers will be permitted to sell approved kites and string. These instructions form part of broader measures aimed at ensuring public safety and maintaining order during the three day Basant Festival, scheduled to be held from 6 to 8 February 2026.
Under provincial regulations, kite flying is permitted only within designated areas and on specified dates. All kites and string must meet approved safety standards, allowing the use of cotton string only, while metal coated or chemically treated string is strictly prohibited.
Only registered vendors will be authorized to sell kites and related equipment. The registration system is intended to ensure traceability of all approved materials and to clearly distinguish legal supplies from unregistered or unsafe products.
IG Rao Abdul Karim made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against any violations, including illegal sales or the use of unsafe materials. These safety measures are designed to reduce risks that have previously resulted from unregulated kite flying and hazardous string.
According to the Basant safety code, participation by individuals under the age of 18 is prohibited, with parents or guardians held responsible for ensuring compliance. Violators will face fines or other legal action.
The provincial government will implement zoning, surveillance, and monitoring arrangements throughout the festival to ensure enforcement of safety regulations. Law enforcement agencies, in coordination with the district administration, will control public spaces, prevent illegal activities, and facilitate the safe celebration of the festival.
The IG’s directives reflect the provincial government’s commitment to public safety, regulated festivities, and adherence to established protocols, while maintaining a balance between Basant’s cultural significance and modern safety standards.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore High Court has ordered the immediate suspension of the underground parking project at Taxali Gate, expressing serious concern over its environmental impact, public safety risks, and apparent violations of legal requirements.
The order was issued during proceedings presided over by Justice Shahid Karim, who directed that all excavation and construction activities at both Taxali Gate and the similar underground parking project at Sheranwala Gate be halted until further judicial scrutiny.
During the hearing, the court took exception to reports of tree cutting in and around the project sites, observing that such actions appeared to contravene environmental safeguards and earlier court directives. Justice Karim also referred to recent incidents linked to unsafe urban construction, including a case in which a woman and her daughter fell into an uncovered excavation pit. The court noted that these incidents reflected poor planning, inadequate oversight, and insufficient safety arrangements, particularly in historically sensitive and densely populated areas.
In its orders, the court summoned the Director General of the Lahore Development Authority and the Advocate General of Punjab, Amjad Parveez, to appear at the next hearing and explain whether the projects meet statutory, environmental, and safety standards. Contempt notices were also issued to senior officials of Punjab University, including the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, for failing to prevent tree cutting despite standing judicial instructions.
The Parks and Horticulture Authority was further directed to take immediate measures to safeguard trees and ensure strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
Urban planning specialists caution that large-scale underground construction in historic and congested districts requires comprehensive environmental assessments, heritage preservation safeguards, and rigorous safety protocols. Infrastructure development in such areas, they argue, must strike a careful balance between urban needs, cultural conservation, and public welfare.
The court’s intervention underscores the growing judicial emphasis on sustainable land use, environmental responsibility, and accountable urban governance. The case is scheduled for further hearing on 2 February 2026, when the relevant authorities are expected to submit detailed compliance reports and legal justifications.