Lahore is generally welcoming to visitors, and Basant crowds are friendly. The main risks are kite string injuries (especially to motorcyclists), roof falls, pickpocketing in crowds, and money scams such as fake rooftop or event bookings, illegal string sold as legal, and overcharging. Most problems are avoided by booking in writing, buying from registered sellers and keeping valuables close. In an emergency call 1122 (rescue) or 15 (police).
حفاظت اور فراڈ
لاہور مہمانوں کے لیے دوستانہ شہر ہے۔ بسنت میں اصل خطرات ڈور سے زخم، چھت سے گرنا، رش میں جیب تراشی اور جعلی چھت یا ٹکٹ بکنگ، غیر قانونی ڈور اور زیادہ کرایہ ہیں۔ ہنگامی صورت میں 1122 یا 15 پر کال کریں۔
Common scams and how to avoid them
| Scam | How it works | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Fake rooftop rental | Advance paid online for a roof that does not exist or is double-booked | Visit or video-call the roof, meet the owner, sign a written agreement, pay a small deposit |
| Fake event tickets | Tickets sold on social media for sold-out or fake events | Buy only from organisers or known ticketing sites |
| Illegal string sold as legal | Unmarked or coated string, sometimes with fake QR stickers | Buy from registered sellers in licensed markets; scan the QR code |
| Overcharging | Inflated rickshaw, taxi or shop prices for visitors | Use ride hailing apps, agree fares first, compare shops |
| Fake guides | Unofficial guides at monuments charging high fees | Use WCLA tours or agree the price in advance |
| Currency tricks | Short change or street exchange scams | Count change; exchange at banks or licensed companies |
عام فراڈ
آن لائن ایڈوانس لے کر جعلی چھت کرائے پر دینا، سوشل میڈیا پر جعلی ٹکٹ، غیر قانونی ڈور پر جعلی کیو آر، زیادہ کرایہ اور جعلی گائیڈ۔ ہمیشہ تحریری معاہدہ کریں اور رجسٹرڈ دکاندار سے خریدیں۔
Basant-specific safety
- Motorcyclists: safety rod, helmet and a scarf around the neck are essential.
- Rooftops: stay behind walls and railings; never step on a ledge to catch a kite.
- Never chase kites onto roads or other roofs.
- Keep away from overhead power lines with string.
- Aerial firing is illegal and dangerous; report it to 15.
- Children must be supervised and were not allowed to fly in 2026.
General safety tips
- Keep phones and wallets in front pockets in bazaars and crowds.
- Use registered ride hailing at night.
- Dress modestly, especially in the Walled City and at mosques.
- Drink bottled or filtered water.
- Foreign visitors: carry a copy of your passport and visa; keep the original in the hotel safe.
- Respect photography rules at mosques and with women.
Emergency numbers
Rescue 1122 (ambulance, rescue), Police 15, Fire 16, Edhi 115. See all emergency numbers by area.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lahore safe for tourists during Basant?
Generally yes. The main risks are string injuries, roof falls, pickpockets and booking scams. Follow safety rules and book in writing.
سوال: کیا بسنت میں لاہور سیاحوں کے لیے محفوظ ہے؟
عام طور پر ہاں۔ اصل خطرات ڈور، چھت، جیب تراشی اور بکنگ فراڈ ہیں، احتیاط کریں اور تحریری بکنگ کریں۔
How do I avoid rooftop rental scams?
See the roof in person or on video, meet the owner, sign a written agreement and pay only a small deposit in advance.
سوال: چھت کے فراڈ سے کیسے بچیں؟
چھت خود یا ویڈیو کال پر دیکھیں، مالک سے ملیں، تحریری معاہدہ کریں اور تھوڑا ایڈوانس دیں۔
What number do I call in an emergency in Lahore?
1122 for rescue and ambulance, 15 for police, 16 for fire.
Sources and updates
Last checked: 13 October 2026. Fares, timings and rules change; confirm before you travel.