Punjab Province

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.

Kasur: District Reporter Sadaf Arshad | ReNews Pakistan Under the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif , the Pattoki administration has launched a major beautification and green belt development project along Multan Road, aimed at improving roadside aesthetics, urban greenery, and public spaces. The initiative is being closely monitored on a regular basis by Assistant Commissioner Pattoki, Farooq Azam. The project involves systematic plantation of trees, shrubs, and landscaped greenery on both sides of Multan Road, a key arterial route connecting Pattoki to major urban and rural areas of central Punjab. Work also includes removal of encroachments, clearing of debris, and organizing roadside spaces to create safer, cleaner, and more visually appealing corridors for pedestrians, residents, and commuters. Officials have stated that the initiative is part of the provincial government's eco-friendly and urban beautification vision, which seeks to promote environmental sustainability, reduce pollution, and provide improved outdoor spaces in fast-growing towns like Pattoki. The green belts are also expected to enhance property values and stimulate commercial activity along the corridor. During frequent on-site inspections, Deputy Commissioner Kasur Asif Raza and Assistant Commissioner Farooq Azam have supervised planting schedules, irrigation arrangements, and construction of walkways, ensuring the project meets established standards. Residents and business owners have been urged to cooperate in maintaining the newly planted greenery and avoid unauthorized dumping or encroachments along the road. The administration has directed relevant municipal and parks departments to implement regular maintenance schedules, including watering, pruning, and cleaning of landscaped areas. Continuous monitoring by the Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner is aimed at sustaining the greenery and preventing damage from public or private encroachments. The project will be executed in phases, with the first phase focusing on central sections of Multan Road near commercial and residential junctions. Subsequent phases are planned to expand landscaping and aesthetic enhancements to adjacent residential sectors and service lanes. Officials emphasized that the initiative not only improves the urban environment and quality of life in Pattoki but also has long-term positive effects on land use patterns and property development, aligning with broader provincial goals for sustainable urban growth.