Punjab lifts Basant ban after 25 years, with strict safety curbs
“Punjab reinstates Basant with strict conditions to curb deadly string use.”
Key points
- Punjab reinstates Basant with strict conditions to curb deadly string use.
- Parents face liability for minors, and non-cotton thread is banned with steep penalties.
- Vendors and manufacturers will be registered and tracked via QR codes.
LAHORE: The Punjab government revived Basant festivities through an ordinance signed by Governor Salim Haider, ending a 25-year ban on kite flying but imposing stringent safeguards.
Under the rules, minors cannot fly kites and parents will be held liable for violations. Only cotton thread is permitted; hazardous or metal-coated strings carry heavy fines and jail terms, with penalties in Lahore reaching up to Rs2 million and three to five years’ imprisonment.
Kite sellers and manufacturers must register, use QR codes for verification, and sell only through authorised outlets. Authorities also emphasised protective measures for motorcyclists during the festival.
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