Authorities have imposed Section 144 for 30 days in Lahore to prevent law and order issues during Basant, as the Punjab government rolls out strict safety and public order measures ahead of the festival.
Section 144 has been imposed immediately to stop mischief and provocation during Basant celebrations. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to take strict action against any violation.
Officials said the decision was taken amid fears that provocative elements could exploit the occasion by using religious or political symbols.
Political, religious imagery on kites
Authorities have imposed a complete ban on kites displaying flags of any country or political party. Kites carrying images of personalities, holy books, or religious places are also prohibited.
Only single-colour or plain multi-coloured kites without any pictures will be allowed during Basant.
Dangerous strings and materials
Under the Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025, there is a total ban on the use of metal wire, nylon string, or glass-coated (chemical) strings. The Punjab government has also banned the manufacture, transportation, storage, sale, and use of dangerous kites and strings.
Authorities stressed that these restrictions are aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing fatal accidents.
Severe punishments announced
According to the Punjab Home Department, kite flying before the officially permitted dates can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of up to Rs2 million.
Those involved in the manufacture or sale of prohibited materials may face up to seven years in prison and fines reaching Rs5 million. Unlawful manufacture, transportation, storage, sale, and use of kites have been declared punishable offences.
The Punjab government has granted conditional permission for Basant as a recreational festival in Lahore from February 6 to 8.
A notification for Basant has been issued by the Lahore deputy commissioner under the Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025.
Officials reiterated that no lawbreaking will be tolerated during the celebrations.
A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department said the restrictions aim to maintain religious harmony and public order.
“No kind of violation of the law will be allowed on the occasion of Basant,” the spokesperson warned.
Authorities said all measures are in place to ensure a safe and peaceful Basant while respecting religious sentiments.
Struggling to meet demand
Meanwhile, kite makers in Lahore are struggling to meet the surge in demand, making it difficult to fulfill customer orders.
Kite associations have requested permission to procure kites from other parts of the country to address the shortage. According to manufacturers, the revival of Basant after nearly two decades has led to an unprecedented rise in demand.
Sources said the Kite Flying Association reiterated this demand during a meeting with the Commissioner. The association argued that allowing kites to be ordered from outside Lahore would help stabilize prices and prevent shortages.
The district administration has begun reviewing the proposals and is considering the suggestions put forward by the kite associations. Officials said a strategy will be formulated after assessing market demand and existing stock.
Final approval for ordering kites and strings from outside Lahore will depend on a green signal from the government. Under the Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, the manufacture, sale, and use of kites and strings are currently permitted only within Lahore.
