Inspector General of Punjab Police Rao Abdul Kareem on Thursday directed the Lahore police to stay on high alert during the Basant Festival in the city, a private media channel reported.
The IG Punjab ordered strict implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure safe and peaceful Basant celebrations from February 6 to 8 in Lahore. He instructed the police to take zero tolerance action against violations, including aerial firing, display of weapons, misconduct, obscenity, and any activity that disturbs public order.
Rao Abdul Kareem said authorities must take strict action against the use of metallic, chemical, or other banned kite strings. He added that kite flying remains prohibited near airports, air routes, sensitive installations, and other restricted areas.
The IG Punjab also directed police officers to closely monitor compliance with the government’s code of conduct throughout the three-day festival.
He urged citizens to act responsibly, protect human lives, and follow the law while celebrating Basant.
Also Read, Punjab government appoints Rao Abdul Karim as new IGP
Earlier, the Punjab government had decided to appoint Rao Abdul Karim as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Punjab.
Several media reports confirmed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the notification of Abdul Karim’s appointment as the new IGP.
The Punjab government had earlier shortlisted CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana and Additional IG of the Counter Terrorism Department, Waseem Sia, for the position of IGP.
However, the former IG Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, would be given a position in the federal government.
