Travel between Karachi and Lahore have become significantly more expensive and increasingly difficult, as Basant festivities draw closer. With thousands of people rushing to Lahore to take part in the celebrations, both air and rail fares have surged sharply, leaving many travellers frustrated and forced to rethink their plans.

According to sources, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and several private carriers have drastically increased ticket prices for Lahore-bound flights, taking advantage of the growing demand and limited seat availability.

The situation has escalated to the point where one-way air tickets from Karachi to Lahore have crossed Rs68,000. Passengers claim that fares are rising almost hour by hour, making it nearly impossible for late planners to secure affordable travel. The upcoming public holiday on February 5 has further fueled the rush, pushing ticket prices even higher as people try to reach Lahore ahead of time.

Many citizens believe airlines are exploiting the Basant season by imposing arbitrary fare hikes, benefiting from the festival frenzy and the shortage of available seats.

Meanwhile, Lahore’s markets are already buzzing with Basant activity. Kite sales have reportedly doubled, with some spools of kite string now reaching prices as high as Rs12,000. The overall Basant-related business is estimated to be worth nearly Rs300 million, reflecting just how massive the celebrations have become.

However, shoppers complain that not only kites but also kite thread has become extremely expensive this year, putting pressure on ordinary families who want to take part in the tradition.

Adding to the Basant craze, rooftop bookings have also skyrocketed. Reports suggest that people have booked rooftops for three days at prices ranging from Rs1 million to Rs4.7 million, showing how commercialised the festival has become and how far people are willing to go for the perfect Basant experience.

The Punjab government has announced that it has made complete security arrangements for the festival. To reduce traffic congestion and discourage risky bike travel, public transport will be free from February 6 to 8, encouraging people to use buses instead.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also urged citizens to take safety precautions. She requested that those whose rooftops do not have proper railings should install temporary safety measures such as nylon ropes or barriers to prevent accidents and avoid any unfortunate incidents during the celebrations.

Despite the festive atmosphere, Basant’s promotion has sparked criticism as well. Some critics argue that the government’s highly positive promotion of Basant is intended to distract public attention from the ongoing situation in Balochistan, where violence and unrest continue to claim lives.

They point out that while Punjab’s skies will soon be filled with colourful kites and celebrations, another province of Pakistan, “Balochistan” remains drenched in blood and suffering through tragic events.

As the countdown to Basant begins, Lahore prepares for its most colourful days — but the country watches with mixed emotions.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)