Festival approved for Lahore under controlled, safe, and monitored conditions.

Government approves controlled celebration with strict safety rules

The Punjab government has taken a major step towards reviving the long-banned festival of Basant, giving permission for kite flying in Lahore on February 6, 7 and 8,  but only under tight regulation.

The decision came during a high-level meeting chaired by Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, where officials unanimously agreed that Basant can return, provided that every rule of the Basant law is strictly enforced.

Why is Basant coming back now?

Officials say it’s time to revive culture, but safely.

After 18 years, the government believes Basant can be celebrated again if risks are controlled.
The aim is to revive the cultural festival without repeating past tragedies caused by dangerous string and reckless flying.

What rules will apply?

Only standard kites and government-approved string allowed.

Authorities have introduced a detailed safety framework:

• Motorcycles must have safety rods.
• Kite strings can only be made at designated supervised locations.
• Mandatory registration for:
  • Kite and string manufacturers
  • Sellers
  • Buyers
  • Kite-flying associations
• Government’s new forms:
  • Form A for individual registration
  • Form B certificate
  • Forms C & D for kite-flying associations
• Strict limits on kite size, material, and string quality.
• No metallic or chemically coated string allowed.

Officials warn that any violation means cancellation of registration and legal action.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said Basant will be “completely safe, regulated, and strictly monitored.”
She added that anyone making or selling illegal string may face:

• 3–5 years in jail
• Fines up to Rs 2 million

How will it be monitored?

Government to watch the full supply chain.

The Home Department has ordered all deputy commissioners to:

• Supervise registered associations
• Ensure no banned material enters the market
• Enforce immediate action against violators

This marks the first phase of making Basant a controlled festival rather than an uncontrolled street event.

Legal challenge also emerges

Despite the excitement, the Basant revival has reached the Lahore High Court (LHC).

A petition argues that:

• The ordinance lifting the ban was issued while the assembly was in session, which is unconstitutional.
• Basant has historically caused fatal accidents, and safety risks still exist.

The case is now pending before the court.