LAHORE: Punjab Govt has lifted ban on kite-flying during the festivities of Basant here on Tuesday (3rd Dec, 2025).
Those under the age of 18 will not be able to fly a kite. Groups will have to get themselves registered at DC office. Sellers of kites and cords will be linked to a QR code. Those acting against the rules will be fined (Rs. 50 to 100 thousands) and incarcerated.
It is pertinent to mention here that the ban was imposed due to deaths caused by chemically-coated and metal cords. Hence only harmless cotton threads will be allowed.
It is yet to be seen whether govt will be able to impose the regulations (particularly barring under-18 from taking part in the festivities of Basant). It is pertinent to mention here that a section of extreme-right politicians reject Basant as a festival imported from neighbouring India. Any mischief from the Lahoriites and failure to impose the writ of state, will enable the anti-Basant lobby to get the ban re-imposed.
Till the ban was imposed on Basant, almost 2 decades ago, the event had become a tourist attraction. The festivities were inevitably contributing towards the economy of the Walled City.
Many multinationals (including giant pharmaceuticals) were presenting free packages to their valued clients in Pakistan as well as abroad. The gift used to include free air tickets, stay at a traditional house, exotic meals, opportunity to fly kites from rooftops and site-seeing.
Newspakistan.tv
