Lahore: The Punjab government has decided to allow Basant celebrations on a limited scale in Lahore, while kite-flying will remain prohibited across the rest of the province, officials said.
The decision follows a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, chaired by the Home Department, which approved a three-day festival in Lahore from February 6 to 8. The celebrations will be restricted to specific areas and organized under strict safety regulations, while the Kite Flying Regulations Bill 2025 continues to enforce a ban in other districts.
Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi confirmed that the provincial cabinet had approved the limited-scale Basant in Lahore only, citing safety concerns and previous incidents of injuries caused by illegal kite-flying.
Officials said the government has been registering kite and twine manufacturers across the province to ensure compliance with specifications for the Lahore festivities. The limited Basant is being treated as a pilot programme, with authorities urging citizens to follow safety measures and report violations.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also instructed free public transport, including buses and rickshaws, to discourage the use of motorcycles during the festival. Additional buses from colleges and universities may also be deployed to facilitate commuters.
The Home Department has issued directives to all commissioners, police officials, and deputy commissioners to take action against any illegal kite-flying in the province. Violators, including manufacturers and suppliers of kite materials, may face legal action under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025.
Officials said the government will closely monitor the Lahore Basant, warning that any serious accidents could lead to a broader ban in the future.
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