Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited Liberty Chowk and Mochi Gate on Thursday to review arrangements for the upcoming three-day Basant festival.

Upon her arrival at Liberty Chowk, a large number of citizens gathered, with whom CM directly interacted, expressing compassion for children and taking selfies with them.

She also removed security personnel who had been restricting citizens’ access.

During the visit, CM observed a young man riding a motorcycle without a safety rod and immediately instructed authorities that free safety rods should be made available at any camp.

She clarified that there is no ban on motorcycles during Basant, but vehicles without safety rods would be stopped. “All these safety measures are for the safety of the people, and the government will not compromise on citizens’ safety,” she said.

CM later visited Mochi Gate, where she reviewed additional festival arrangements. Citizens praised her efforts, expressing appreciation for the measures taken to ensure a safe celebration.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Lahore Maryam Khan, Deputy Commissioner Captain Ali Ijaz, and IG Punjab Rao Abdul Karim visited the inner city, including Mochi Gate, to review security arrangements.

DIG Operations Lahore Muhammad Faisal Kamran briefed the IG Punjab on the preparations.

Commissioner Lahore directed the police and administration to enforce the government’s code of conduct for a safe Basant, while IG Punjab Rao Abdul Karim said the Punjab Police had completed preparations, including the registration of 1,600 cases for violations of the Kite Flying Act.

More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed, with surveillance supported by drones and CCTV cameras.

Commissioner Khan added that the use of metal or chemical-coated kites and any other banned items would be strictly penalised, emphasising that citizens should comply with the law.