Basant kites set to fly in Punjab between Feb 6-8

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has taken a major step toward reviving Basant, deciding to allow the festival to be celebrated across Lahore on February 6, 7 and 8, subject to strict regulatory controls.

The decision was finalised during a high-level meeting chaired by Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Sources said the meeting unanimously agreed that Basant will be celebrated across Lahore and that enforcement of the existing Basant law would be ensured with full strictness.

The government has decided that motorcycles will be fitted with mandatory safety rods, while kite strings will only be manufactured at designated locations within Lahore, under government supervision.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Department has begun formal registration of kite and string manufacturers, sellers, buyers and kite-flying associations as part of the government's plan to revive Basant under strict regulatory control.

Officials said the move marks the first phase of a framework intended to ensure the festival is held safely after an 18-year ban.

The process includes mandatory submission of Form A for individual registration, issuance of government certificates under Form B, and separate Forms C and D for kite-flying associations. The department has also finalised specifications for kite size, material and string quality, warning that non-standard or chemically coated string will not be permitted.

Violations may result in cancellation of registration and legal action.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari reiterated that Basant would be "completely safe, regulated, and strictly monitored," adding that the festival would not be allowed to revert to the dangerous activity it once was.

She said the manufacture or sale of metallic or chemically treated string would carry penalties of three to five years in prison and fines of up to Rs2 million.

The Home Department has directed deputy commissioners to supervise registered associations and ensure that no banned material enters the supply chain.

The revival has also prompted a legal challenge, with a petition before the Lahore High Court (LHC) contesting the ordinance that lifted the ban.

The plea argues the ordinance was issued while the provincial assembly was in session and warns that the activity has historically caused fatal incidents.