Punjab Province

Kasur | Sadaf Arshad District Reporter | ReNews Pakistan
Under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for a cleaner and safer Punjab, urban safety and municipal infrastructure improvements in Kasur have been accelerated. Acting on instructions from Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Asif Raza, the Kasur Taxila Waste Management Authority (KTWMA) and relevant departments have mobilized field teams for active implementation.
A 1.8-kilometer open drain along Main Depalpur Road is being secured through the installation of barbed wire and concrete pillars, aimed at protecting pedestrians, local residents, and traffic from potential accidents.
The administration emphasized that these measures will not only enhance public safety but also improve urban sanitation and drainage management. The project is being executed under the Suthra Punjab Program, with continuous supervision by concerned authorities to ensure timely completion.
District officials further highlighted that other locations requiring similar safety and infrastructure improvements are being identified to strengthen urban management and ensure organized and secure public spaces in Kasur.

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.