LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 to prevent incitement and maintain public order during Basant celebrations, enforcing several key restrictions across the province.
According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, the measures aim to ensure public safety during the festival. The display of images of sacred religious books, religious sites, or personalities on kites has been completely banned. Kites bearing the images of any country’s flag or political party symbols are also prohibited.
For 30 days, the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, and use of kites featuring religious or political designs will remain banned. However, the use of plain single-colour or multi-colour kites without any images will be permitted during Basant.
The spokesperson said that the illegal production, storage, transportation, sale, or use of prohibited kites has been declared a punishable offence, noting concerns that provocative elements could exploit Basant by using religious or political symbols.
Orders issued under Section 144 have come into immediate effect, and law enforcement agencies have been directed to take strict action against violators.
The Punjab government has granted conditional permission for a “safe Basant” in Lahore from February 6 to 8. In this regard, the Deputy Commissioner Lahore has issued a notification for Basant 2026 under the Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025.
The Home Department spokesperson said the provincial government has allowed Basant strictly as a recreational festival, stressing that no violation of the law will be tolerated. Restrictions have been imposed to maintain public order and respect religious sentiments.
Under the Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025, the use of metal wire, nylon string, or glass-coated string is completely banned. The government has also prohibited the manufacture, transport, storage, sale, and use of dangerous kites and strings.
According to the law, kite flying before the designated dates can result in up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs2 million.