Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The newly appointed Inspector General of Police Punjab, Rao Abdul Karim, has issued directives to ensure strict compliance with the Basant Festival safety code. He emphasized that only registered kite sellers will be permitted to sell approved kites and string. These instructions form part of broader measures aimed at ensuring public safety and maintaining order during the three day Basant Festival, scheduled to be held from 6 to 8 February 2026.
Under provincial regulations, kite flying is permitted only within designated areas and on specified dates. All kites and string must meet approved safety standards, allowing the use of cotton string only, while metal coated or chemically treated string is strictly prohibited.
Only registered vendors will be authorized to sell kites and related equipment. The registration system is intended to ensure traceability of all approved materials and to clearly distinguish legal supplies from unregistered or unsafe products.
IG Rao Abdul Karim made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against any violations, including illegal sales or the use of unsafe materials. These safety measures are designed to reduce risks that have previously resulted from unregulated kite flying and hazardous string.
According to the Basant safety code, participation by individuals under the age of 18 is prohibited, with parents or guardians held responsible for ensuring compliance. Violators will face fines or other legal action.
The provincial government will implement zoning, surveillance, and monitoring arrangements throughout the festival to ensure enforcement of safety regulations. Law enforcement agencies, in coordination with the district administration, will control public spaces, prevent illegal activities, and facilitate the safe celebration of the festival.
The IG’s directives reflect the provincial government’s commitment to public safety, regulated festivities, and adherence to established protocols, while maintaining a balance between Basant’s cultural significance and modern safety standards.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Lahore High Court has ordered the immediate suspension of the underground parking project at Taxali Gate, expressing serious concern over its environmental impact, public safety risks, and apparent violations of legal requirements.
The order was issued during proceedings presided over by Justice Shahid Karim, who directed that all excavation and construction activities at both Taxali Gate and the similar underground parking project at Sheranwala Gate be halted until further judicial scrutiny.
During the hearing, the court took exception to reports of tree cutting in and around the project sites, observing that such actions appeared to contravene environmental safeguards and earlier court directives. Justice Karim also referred to recent incidents linked to unsafe urban construction, including a case in which a woman and her daughter fell into an uncovered excavation pit. The court noted that these incidents reflected poor planning, inadequate oversight, and insufficient safety arrangements, particularly in historically sensitive and densely populated areas.
In its orders, the court summoned the Director General of the Lahore Development Authority and the Advocate General of Punjab, Amjad Parveez, to appear at the next hearing and explain whether the projects meet statutory, environmental, and safety standards. Contempt notices were also issued to senior officials of Punjab University, including the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, for failing to prevent tree cutting despite standing judicial instructions.
The Parks and Horticulture Authority was further directed to take immediate measures to safeguard trees and ensure strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
Urban planning specialists caution that large-scale underground construction in historic and congested districts requires comprehensive environmental assessments, heritage preservation safeguards, and rigorous safety protocols. Infrastructure development in such areas, they argue, must strike a careful balance between urban needs, cultural conservation, and public welfare.
The court’s intervention underscores the growing judicial emphasis on sustainable land use, environmental responsibility, and accountable urban governance. The case is scheduled for further hearing on 2 February 2026, when the relevant authorities are expected to submit detailed compliance reports and legal justifications.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has decided to introduce a new long term lease policy for industrial land as part of broader efforts to accelerate industrial activity and restore investor confidence across the province. Official sources said the policy is intended to provide long term security to industrialists while placing new and existing industrial projects on sustainable and predictable foundations.
Under the proposed framework, industrial units will be granted land on lease for a period of 30 years or more. The lease will be linked to performance, meaning its continuation will depend on production activity, investment levels, and the operational performance of the industrial unit. The policy will apply not only to Special Economic Zones but also to all industrial estates throughout Punjab. Officials said a formal announcement is expected before the start of Ramadan.
Alongside the lease policy, the government is also working on administrative reforms and greater use of technology within the industrial sector. Secretary Industries Muhammad Umar Masood said significant changes are being introduced to improve ease of doing business for industrialists. He said a technology based one window system is being developed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, with the aim of simplifying approvals and improving transparency in monitoring and enforcement.
Officials said the reforms are designed to reduce human intervention by limiting unnecessary inspections and repeated administrative interference. At the same time, the government is placing increased emphasis on public private partnership models to support industrial development by making better use of private sector expertise and investment capacity.
Representatives of the industrial sector have also highlighted the pressures currently facing businesses. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the sector is under strain due to high electricity costs, elevated interest rates, and a heavy tax burden. According to the chamber, the proposed lease policy and administrative reforms could help stabilise industrial activity and contribute to rebuilding investor confidence.
Government officials have described the initiative as an important step towards improved use of industrial land, stronger protection of investment, and more coherent long term industrial planning in Punjab. They said effective implementation of the policy could support industrial expansion, create employment opportunities, and generate wider economic activity across the province.