Lahore admin issues strict code of conduct for safe Basant

LAHORE (Dunya News) - As preparations begin for the three-day Basant festival in Lahore from February 6 to 8, the city’s deputy commissioner has issued a comprehensive code of conduct aimed at ensuring public safety and enforcing Punjab government regulations.

The directive follows the Punjab government’s decision last month, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, to allow Basant celebrations under strict conditions—bringing an end to a 25-year ban on kite flying imposed in 2001 due to repeated fatal incidents caused by chemical- and metal-coated kite strings.

Officials said the code of conduct will apply strictly to all rooftops and premises used for kite flying during the festival. Citizens have been urged to comply with the Kite Flying Act, 2025, and all related rules and regulations.

Key points of the Basant code of conduct:

• Sale and purchase of kites and kite-flying accessories will be allowed only from February 1 to 8.
• All Basant-related activities must follow laws, notifications and instructions issued by the Punjab government and Lahore district administration.
• Metallic, chemical, glass-coated, nylon or hazardous kite strings are strictly banned, including their use, sale or display.
• Playing loud music, DJs or sound systems that cause noise pollution is prohibited under the Punjab Sound Systems (Regulation) Act, 2015.
• Aerial firing and the display or use of weapons are strictly banned and will be prosecuted under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
• Acts involving nuisance, harassment, obscenity, indecent behaviour or disturbance to the public are prohibited.
• Property owners must ensure adequate safety measures to prevent falls, electric hazards, overcrowding or other risks to life and property.
• Kite strings may only be purchased from vendors registered with the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Lahore.
• Purchasing kites or strings from unauthorised sellers will lead to strict legal action.
• Use of unsafe or unsecured rooftops is prohibited; safety grills or walls must be installed where necessary.
• Installation of safety rods on all motorcycles in Lahore is mandatory.
• Parents and property owners will be responsible for the safety of children during celebrations.
• Authorised officers from the district administration, police and allied departments may inspect premises at any time.
• Owners or managers of premises will be held personally responsible for any injury, loss, incident or violation of laws during the festival.

Earlier, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that all relevant departments were actively working to ensure the safety of the government-sponsored Basant Festival.

While chairing a review meeting last week, she said a comprehensive traffic management plan had been finalised.

Free transport plan finalised for Basant celebrations in Lahore

The chief minister added that Lahore would be divided into multiple zones for the event, with motorcycles barred from entering the Red Zone without security wire.

She also announced that one million safety rods would be distributed free of cost to bikers to protect them from dangerous kite strings.