The Punjab government has imposed a sweeping ban on 132 Punjabi songs allegedly during Basant celebrations, citing concerns over public decency, safety, and social harmony as the festival returns under strict regulation.

The Punjab government has banned 132 Punjabi songs from allegedly being played during Basant celebrations across the province. Authorities say the songs contain suggestive, vulgar, or socially inappropriate lyrics and will not be allowed in any public or private setting.

The ban applies to rooftops, streets, wedding halls, commercial venues, arts councils, theatres, stage dramas, and private gatherings where Basant-related events take place.

Violators to face legal action

According to the official notification, no exceptions will be allowed, even for private events. Anyone found playing the banned songs will face legal action under relevant laws.

Officials said the goal is to ensure that public gatherings remain safe, respectful, and family-friendly, especially as Basant draws large crowds.

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‘Nak Da Koka’ declared criminal offence

Among the banned songs is the popular Punjabi track 'Nak Da Koka', which has been formally declared prohibited by the Punjab Council of Arts and district administrations. The song has been banned due to its association with a specific personality, and playing it during Basant has been declared a criminal offence.

حکومتِ پنجاب نے ممنوع گانوں کا نوٹیفکیشن جاری کیا ہے لہذا بسنت کے موقع پر یہ 132 پنجابی گانے لگانے سے گریز کریں۔ خلاف ورزی کرنے والے پر مقدمہ درج ہو گا۔
نوٹیفکیشن اور گانوں کی فہرست جاری pic.twitter.com/zdrkiYYoy3
— Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan) January 26, 2026

Cases will be registered against violators, and FIRs have already been lodged in multiple cities.

Ban applies beyond Basant events

Authorities clarified that 'Nak Da Koka' is banned not only during Basant but also at arts council events, stage and theatre performances, weddings, mehndi and walima ceremonies, and even for playing or listening to it at high volume in vehicles.

The Punjab Council of Arts had originally banned the song on November 25, 2025, but the restriction was not effectively implemented. Fresh circulars have now been issued to all district arts councils to enforce the ban strictly.

The January 23 notification also bans the performance of all 132 listed songs at stage shows and theatres, whether private or commercial. The government described the lyrics as “immoral,” “obscene,” and “double-meaning.”

This move follows earlier regulations issued in August last year, when Punjab prohibited what it termed obscene and immoral performances at stage and theatre venues.

Mixed reaction on social media

The ban has sparked widespread debate online. Some users welcomed the move as necessary to protect public morals, while others questioned the criteria and consistency used to classify the songs.

The inclusion of 'Nak Da Koka' surprised many, as the song -- released in 2023 and widely popular -- had not previously been considered inappropriate. Critics noted that some banned songs were earlier featured in films.

The song has been at the center of controversy before. In June 2024, singer Malkoo was reportedly offloaded from a flight to London due to the song.

Earlier this month, qawwal Faraz Amjad Khan also faced legal action for performing it at an event in Lahore.

Punjab information minister defends decision

Punjab’s Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari defended the ban in an interview with BBC Urdu. She said the lyrics were so explicit that they could not even be quoted in media reports.

“Have you heard the lyrics of these songs? I can’t even read them,” she said, adding that calling such content music or poetry was, in her view, inappropriate.

مجھے سمجھ نہیں آرہا نوٹیفکیشن میں بسنت کہاں لکھا ہے،یہ سٹیج پر پرفارم کرنے سے منع کیا گیا ہے
کیا ان گانوں ،شاعری کو پڑھا جاسکتا ہے؟اسکو سننا اور پرفارم کرنا کہاں ممکن ہے اور یہ گانے موسیقی اور گانوں کے نام پر دھبہ ہیں
انکو گانا اور شاعری کہا جاسکتا ہے؟؟ https://t.co/DZHVZax8D8
— Azma Zahid Bokhari (@AzmaBokhariPMLN) January 26, 2026

In a post on X, Azma Bukhari questioned where Basant was mentioned in the notification, stressing that the ban was specifically about stage performances, adding that such songs were a “blot on the name of music.”

Basant safety rules announced

Alongside the music ban, the Punjab government has announced strict safety guidelines for Basant, which will be celebrated only in Lahore from February 6 to 8.

Kites may only be purchased from government-registered stalls, and only cotton thread will be allowed. Chemical, metal, nylon, or glass-coated strings remain completely banned.

Motorcycle movement will remain restricted, and safety wires will be installed on bikes to prevent accidents. Public transport will be free on all Basant days, with over 5,000 registered rickshaws providing supervised free rides. Authorities will also monitor drone activity and online platforms to ensure full compliance with safety rules.

Officials said the purpose of these measures is to revive Basant as a cultural and recreational festival, without compromising safety, decency, or public order. Citizens have been urged to cooperate fully so that Basant can be celebrated in a controlled, safe, and enjoyable manner.