Lahore police detain motorcyclist over missing Basant safety rod

LAHORE: Lahore police have arrested a man for riding a motorcycle without a safety rod — a mandatory requirement during the Basant festival.

According to the police FIR, the arrested individual has been identified as Hamza Jamil, a resident of Firdous Market.

He was stopped by police while riding a motorcycle in Nasirabad without a protective safety antenna, a violation of Section 144. Police said that a case was subsequently registered against him.

Sub-Inspector Khalid Mehmood of Nasirabad Police Station said that operations against riders failing to install safety rods on motorcycles are ongoing.

“The person was arrested for not fitting a safety rod on his bike, and legal action has been taken,” he said.

Preparations for the Basant festival, which marks the traditional kite-flying season, are under way in Lahore.

Authorities have issued a formal plan for the event, including the enforcement of Section 144, which makes it mandatory for motorcycles to be fitted with safety rods.

Many residents have already complied with this regulation.

Officials have also set rules regarding the sale of kites and kite strings, requiring vendors to obtain proper licenses. A ban has been imposed on affixing images of religious or political figures on kites.

Basant is being held in Lahore for the first time in nearly two decades. The festival was banned after fatal accidents caused by kite strings in past years, drawing criticism and calls for a safer, regulated celebration.

The current provincial government has announced the festival’s return with safety measures in place.

Authorities urged residents to strictly follow all regulations designed to ensure public safety during the festivities.