Basant Festival: Strict enforcement of code of conduct across the province including Lahore, zero tolerance for violations.
Only registered kite sellers allowed to sell; orders for immediate action against illegal kite flying, aerial firing, and display of weapons.
Inspector General of Police Punjab Rao Abdul Kareem said that complete implementation of the code of conduct and government SOPs will be ensured for the safe holding of the three-day Basant Festival in Lahore. He made it clear that only registered kite sellers are allowed to sell approved kites and strings, while strict legal action will be taken in case of violations of the law. IG Punjab directed that Lahore Police should strictly monitor the buying and selling of kites and strings and ensure implementation of the government SOPs issued regarding Basant at all costs. He said that during Basant, the law will immediately come into motion against aerial firing, display of weapons, obscenity, and other immoral conduct. Rao Abdul Kareem further said that a zero-tolerance policy continues to be enforced across the province against violations of the Anti-Kite Flying Act, while in Lahore, permission to celebrate Basant has been granted only on specified days under strict government conditions and laws.
Punjab Police Spokesperson while sharing details, said that during the last 24 hours, 150 cases were registered across the province including Lahore for violations of the Anti-Kite Flying Act, and 157 suspects were arrested. From the possession of the suspects, 39,667 unapproved kites and 248 string reels were recovered. In the provincial capital Lahore, 67 suspects involved in the illegal business of kites and strings were arrested, and more than 7,000 kites and 41 string reels were recovered. Punjab Police spokesperson further said that so far this year, 3,998 suspects involved in the business of metallic string and illegal kites have been arrested across the province, while more than 325,000 kites and 7,374 string reels have been recovered from their possession.
Handout No. 102)
Syed Mubasher Hussain
Director Public Relations
Punjab Police
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