Lahore: The Lahore High Court on Monday sought reports from the Inspector General of Police and the Capital City Police Officer on security and safety arrangements for the upcoming Basant festival, as the registration of kite manufacturers and traders got underway in Lahore ahead of the event’s revival after nearly two decades.
Justice Malik Awais Khalid, while hearing a petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel, questioned whether adequate security measures were in place following the government’s decision to allow a limited Basant celebration in the provincial capital. The court was informed that Basant would be held only in designated areas under strict regulations, in line with the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act, 2025. The judge directed the provincial government to submit detailed reports on security preparations by January 16.
During the hearing, the petitioner argued that while permission for the festival had been granted, concrete arrangements to prevent untoward incidents had yet to be put in place. A government law officer maintained that the legal framework was now in force following the passage of the relevant law, and that safety protocols would be enforced during the event.
Meanwhile, the Lahore district administration has begun registering participants linked to the kite trade for Basant, scheduled to be held from February 6 to 8. According to official data, hundreds of applications have been received from kite manufacturers, sellers, traders and kite flying associations. A significant number of these applications have already been approved, while others are under review or have been rejected for failing to meet regulatory requirements.
The provincial government had earlier decided to allow Basant on a limited scale only in Lahore, with the festival restricted to specified locations, including designated grounds and notified rooftops. The home department has held several meetings to finalise operational and security arrangements, as authorities move to balance public safety concerns with the revival of the cultural festival after an 18-year gap.
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