Punjab keeps firm grip on Basant strings

LAHORE

With Basant set to return under tight oversight, authorities have moved to fence the celebration tightly, banning kites carrying political, religious or provocative imagery after photographs of kites bearing images of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan surfaced on social media, raising concerns over public order at a politically sensitive moment.

With the festival scheduled from February 6 to 8, coinciding with PTI's protest call on February 8, the provincial administration has enforced Section 144 across Lahore, cutting off any attempt to turn the festive skies into a political or religious soapbox.

The order bars images of political leaders, religious figures, sacred books, religious sites, national flags and political party symbols on kites.

The restrictions will remain in force for 30 days.

Under the orders, the manufacture, sale, transport, storage and use of kites carrying religious or political designs have been clearly banned.

During Basant, only plain, single-coloured or multi-coloured kites without any imagery will be allowed. Authorities said the measures were introduced amid concerns that provocative elements could exploit the festival to promote religious or political messaging.

The restrictions took immediate effect, with law enforcement agencies directed to take strict action against violators.

The Punjab government has allowed a conditional and tightly regulated Basant festival in Lahore from February 6 to 8, issuing an official notification under the Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025.

A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department said the government had permitted Basant strictly as a recreational and cultural event, warning that no violation of the law would be tolerated.

The restrictions are aimed at maintaining public order and safeguarding religious sentiments during the festival, the spokesperson added.