Punjab Issues New Safety Rules for Basant Kite-Flying

LAHORE: The Punjab government has issued a fresh safety framework for kite-flying during next year’s Basant celebrations, setting new limits for rooftops, public behaviour, event management and legal responsibility as authorities prepare for a larger festival in 2027.

The announcement comes after Basant returned to Lahore earlier this year following a long ban imposed because of fatal accidents linked to sharp kite strings, unsafe rooftops and celebratory firing. The provincial government now says the cultural festival will continue, but only under strict conditions designed to protect lives and prevent public disorder.

Under the new rules, kite-flying will be allowed only on rooftops considered safe for public use. Buildings must have boundary walls at least three-and-a-half feet high, while overcrowding on rooftops has been barred to reduce the risk of falls, stampedes and structural danger during festival gatherings.

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the regulations were issued on the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to safeguard citizens during Basant. She said every citizen, building owner and event organiser would be required to follow the instructions, adding that parents and guardians must closely supervise children during kite-flying activities.

The new policy also bans running, jumping and leaning over rooftop edges during kite-flying. Children will not be permitted near rooftop boundaries without adult supervision, while building owners and organisers will be held responsible if violations or accidents occur on their premises.

Authorities have also moved to control the social environment around Basant events. Loud music, DJ systems, high-decibel sound equipment and activities that disturb public peace have been prohibited, while conduct involving nuisance, harassment, indecency or disturbance to neighbours may be treated as an offence under relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The rules make first aid arrangements mandatory at locations where kite-flying events are organised. The measure appears aimed at reducing delays in medical response during minor injuries and emergencies, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods where rescue access can become difficult during large public gatherings.

Basant has historically held deep cultural significance in Lahore and other parts of Punjab, symbolising spring, colour and community celebration. However, the festival was banned in 2007 after repeated deaths and severe injuries, especially among motorcyclists and pedestrians struck by dangerous kite strings.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the government wants citizens to celebrate safely but warned that no one would be allowed to endanger lives in the name of entertainment. She directed deputy commissioners and district police officers to ensure enforcement of the rules and praised Lahore residents for following regulations during this year’s festival.

The next test for Punjab will be implementation. If the administration can combine cultural revival with effective safety checks, Basant 2027 may become a model for regulated public celebration; failure to enforce the rules, however, could revive old concerns over injuries, public disorder and demands for another ban.