Authorities in Lahore have put strict security measures in place ahead of Basant, with police warning that violations of safety rules will lead to fines and confiscation of vehicles.

DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said comprehensive steps are being taken to protect citizens from dangerous wires during the festival. Under the Punjab Kite Flying Act, riding a motorcycle without a safety wire during the days of Basant permission is a crime, he said.

Violators can be fined Rs 2,000, and their motorcycles can be confiscated, Kamran added, warning that further legal action may also be taken.

To facilitate the public, traffic police have set up camps at various locations across the city to install free safety rods, according to the DIG Operations.

Kamran said a strict crackdown is also underway against the use of chemical and metal wires. He urged citizens to cooperate with authorities, saying Basant is a festival of joy, but carelessness can be fatal, and accidents can only be prevented with public cooperation.