Punjab prohibits kites with religious, political imagery ahead of Basant

Move comes amid reports that kites bearing number 804 being prepared for the festival

LAHORE:

The Punjab government imposed a province-wide ban on the manufacturing, sale, transport, and use of kites bearing images of religious scriptures, religious places, individuals, national flags, or political party flags, citing security and public order concerns ahead of Basant 2026.

According to an order issued by the Home Department, the prohibition has been enforced for 30 days under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and has taken immediate effect across Punjab.

The notification states that while the Lahore deputy commissioner has allowed “permissible kite flying” within the district's territorial limits from February 6 to 8 in connection with Basant celebrations, authorities apprehend that miscreants may attempt to disrupt the festival by using sensitive imagery or symbols on kites. Such acts, the government warned, could provoke religious or political controversy and disturb public order.

The move comes amid reports that kites bearing the number 804 were being prepared for Basant to express dissent associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), raising concerns within the administration about the possible politicisation of the festival. Officials believe the display of such symbols during public celebrations could lead to tension, law and order challenges, and confrontations.

To prevent any untoward situation, the Home Department has directed that only plain, uni-coloured or multi-coloured kites -- commonly known as gudda or patang -- will be allowed during the three-day Basant period in Lahore. Any kite featuring holy scriptures, images of religious places, pictures of individuals, or flags of countries or political parties has been strictly prohibited.

Read: Punjab bans 132 ‘suggestive’ songs during Basant celebrations

The order emphasised that the step was taken as an “immediate prevention” measure to ensure that Basant remains a recreational and festive event, free from discrimination, provocation or disruption of peace.

The ban covers all stages of the kite trade, including manufacturing, storage, transport, sale and purchase, across the province. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take strict action against violators in accordance with the law.

The Punjab government has established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Basant celebrations in Lahore scheduled from February 6 to 8, reiterating that public safety and order would remain the top priority for the festival’s return.

Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari confirmed that celebrations would take place across the city under a regulated framework, according to a press statement. Kites would be sold exclusively through authorised stalls, cotton thread would be permitted, and unsafe materials would be strictly banned.

“Motorcycle movement will remain restricted during the celebrations,” she said, adding that safety wires would be installed on motorbikes as part of security measures to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with the rules.