Basant 2026: 13 Lahore Hospitals on High Alert; CM Maryam Announces 1 Million Safety Rods. -

To ensure public safety during the upcoming Basant Festival (February 6–8), the Punjab Health Department has placed 13 major government hospitals in Lahore on high alert. Authorities have directed these facilities to ensure the 24/7 availability of specialized doctors, nursing staff, and paramedics to handle any festival-related emergencies.

Medical and Safety Preparedness:

Hospital Readiness: Hospitals are mandated to maintain ample stocks of medicines, blood supplies, and fully functional diagnostic tools like CT scans and MRIs.
Dedicated Resources: Emergency beds and blood donor lists have been established specifically to manage potential string-related injuries or accidents.
Motorcyclist Protection: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the distribution of one million free safety rods for motorcyclists to prevent throat injuries caused by kite strings.

Strict Code of Conduct: The provincial administration has issued a rigorous Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025 to regulate the festivities:

Hazardous Materials Ban: A complete ban is in effect for metallic, plastic, and chemical-coated strings, as well as aerial firing and loud music.
Approved Materials: Only cotton strings (pinna) with QR codes for traceability are permitted for non-commercial kite flying.
Rooftop Safety: Authorities have placed restrictions on rooftop access and sound systems to ensure a calm and safe environment for all citizens.