Punjab govt announces new set of rules for kite-flying for next year's Basant celebrations

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Friday announced a new set of rules and regulations for kite-flying during next year’s Basant festival.

After nearly two decades, a three-day Basant festival was celebrated in Lahore in February, following Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s decision to lift a ban on the cultural event of celebration, colours and kite-flying, with strict regulations.

The festival was banned in 2007 because of the increasing number of deaths and serious injuries caused by sharp strings, particularly to motorcyclists and pillion riders, as well as by celebratory gunfire.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that the festival will be celebrated in February 2027 and will be “bigger and better than the one held this year”.

Speaking to Dawn, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said, “The new regulations have been issued on the directives of CM Maryam to ensure the protection of life and property.”

She said that compliance with these instructions would be mandatory for every citizen, building owner, and event organiser. She said that kite-flying will only be allowed on secure rooftops, with a boundary wall at least three-and-a-half feet high.

“Parents and guardians have been directed to ensure continuous supervision of children,” she said. The minister said children will not be allowed near roof edges without adult supervision as “their safety is the top priority”.

According to the new rules, running, jumping and hanging over the edges on rooftops have been completely banned.

The rules also prohibit the “overcrowding of rooftops”, adding that the “number of persons present on a rooftop at any time shall not exceed its safe load-bearing capacity”.

Meanwhile, the rules also hold the organisers of events responsible for managing the size of the crowd. The new rules also prohibit the “use of loud music, DJ systems, high-decibel sound systems, or any other activity causing noise pollution or disturbance to public order and tranquillity”.

To maintain public decorum, the new rules have banned any act “causing nuisance, harassment, obscenity, indecent behaviour, or disturbance to neighbours or the general public”. Under the rules, such acts will be considered an offence under Sections 290, 292-A and 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code

The new rules also mandate the availability of first aid kits and access to them at all premises where kite-flying activities are organised. Under the rules, in case of accidents or violations, building owners and event organisers will be held individually and jointly responsible.

The chief minister said in a statement that the regulations were issued to ensure the celebration of kite-flying is safe and to prevent the loss of precious lives.

“Strict legal action will be taken against the violators as playing with lives in the name of kite-flying will not be tolerated under any circumstances,“ the chief minister said.

She directed deputy commissioners (DCs) and district police officers (DPOs) to ensure the implementation of the rules. The chief minister also appreciated the public for complying with rules and regulations during Basant celebrations this year.

“Citizens of Lahore fully implemented the rules during Basant. I am confident that during the first phase of Basant 2027, the people of Lahore will again ensure compliance with the regulations,” CM Maryam said.