The All Pakistan Kite Flying Association (APKFA) said the successful and safe celebration of Basant not only revived Lahore’s lost cultural festival but also generated economic activity worth over Rs20 billion across the city.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Aqeel Malik, the patron-in-chief of an APKFA delegation, said Basant brought visible happiness to people of all ages. He noted that citizens aged between 10 and 70 years were seen enjoying kite flying from rooftops across the city.
He credited Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz with playing a major role in restoring what he called Lahore’s “lost festival,” saying the revival would not have been possible without government backing.
Economic activity flourishes
Malik said Basant was not just a cultural celebration but also a major economic driver. According to APKFA estimates, businesses across Lahore collectively generated a turnover exceeding Rs20 billion during the festival.
He added that economic activity flourished citywide, with vendors, transport services, and small traders benefiting significantly during the three days of celebrations.
Massive movement
The APKFA said nearly 900,000 vehicles from different cities entered Lahore during Basant, highlighting the scale of participation. In addition, around 200,000 citizens traveled free of cost on public transport, including the Orange Line Metro Train, Metro Bus, and other transport services.
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This, Malik said, reflected both public enthusiasm and effective transport management during the festival.
Safety measures prevent serious incidents
Malik emphasized that strict SOPs formulated by the association played a crucial role in ensuring safety. He confirmed that there was not a single incident of kite string becoming entangled around anyone’s neck in Lahore during Basant.
He added that the installation of safety rods on motorbikes proved highly effective in preventing accidents and protecting riders.
Illegal profiteering
Despite the success, the APKFA raised serious concerns over illegal profiteering. Malik said bamboo and paper sellers increased rates unnecessarily, while kite makers also sharply raised prices, causing difficulties for the public.
He revealed that daily rents that previously stood at Rs3,000 were increased to as much as Rs35,000 during Basant, terming it blatant illegal profiteering. He said lists of those involved in overcharging and profiteering had been compiled.
Looking ahead, the APKFA patron chief said the government plans to celebrate Basant across the whole of Punjab from next year. He said authorities would allocate official rates for kites and strings ahead of future celebrations to prevent exploitation.
He expressed hope that Basant would also be celebrated again in March, adding that better regulation would further improve safety and affordability.
Aqeel Malik concluded by saying that safe Basant brought smiles to people’s faces and revived Lahore’s cultural identity. He said the festival proved that with proper planning, cultural traditions could thrive while ensuring public safety and economic growth.
