Maryam Nawaz says no string-related deaths reported during Basant

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on Monday that a three-day Basant festival in Lahore concluded without any string-related fatalities, marking what she described as the safe return of the kite-flying celebration after a 25-year hiatus.

Speaking after the festival, She said that no deaths were reported from kite string incidents, which in the past had led to the event being dubbed “bloody Basant”. She said extensive safety measures and the use of modern technology helped ensure the event passed peacefully.

The Punjab chief minister said that around 1.4 million safety rods for motorcycles were distributed free of charge and nearly 100 camps were set up across Lahore to facilitate their installation. She said that no motorcycle was seen without a safety rod during the festival.

According to Maryam Nawaz, about 2.6 million people availed free transport services provided on 22 routes across the city during the three-day event, while around 1 million vehicles entered Lahore. Visitors arrived from across Punjab and other provinces, as well as from abroad, to take part in the celebrations, she said.

She said that manufacturers, sellers and users of kite string were registered, and strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) were enforced. Kite flying was restricted to designated hours, and no kites were seen before the official start time or after 5am, she said.

Maryam Nawaz praised the public for complying with government safety guidelines and thanked the provincial administration and police for maintaining order. She said police personnel interacted with citizens in a courteous manner and ensured full implementation of the law.

The chief minister acknowledged that a few incidents of roof collapses were reported but said overall arrangements remained effective.

She also expressed condolences over a separate suicide attack in Islamabad, saying the Punjab government shared the grief of the victims’ families and would not be deterred by “anti-state forces”.

Maryam Nawaz said a strike call issued during the festival was ignored by the public, with no shutdown reported across the province. She described the turnout as a sign that people chose to celebrate culture and traditions over “chaos and unrest”.

She credited former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for enabling the revival of the festival and said international media coverage highlighted Punjab’s positive cultural image.

“After difficult times, the atmosphere during Basant felt like Eid,” she said, expressing hope that continued civic responsibility would support the province’s progress.