LAHORE:
LAHORE
With Basant’s return under strict supervision, authorities have moved to firmly enclose the celebration, banning kites carrying political, religious or provocative images after photographs of kites bearing images of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan appeared on social media, raising concerns about law and order at a politically sensitive time.
With the festival scheduled for February 6-8, coinciding with the PTI’s call for protest on February 8, the provincial administration has enforced Section 144 across Lahore, cutting off any attempt to turn the festive skies into a political or religious forum.
The order prohibits images of political leaders, religious figures, holy books, religious sites, national flags and symbols of political parties on kites.
The restrictions will remain in effect for 30 days.
According to the orders, the manufacture, sale, transportation, storage and use of kites with religious or political designs have been clearly prohibited.
During Basant only plain, monochrome or multicolor kites without images will be allowed. Authorities said the measures were introduced amid concerns that provocative elements could exploit the festival to promote religious or political messages.
The restrictions came into effect immediately and law enforcement authorities took strict action against violators.
The Punjab government has allowed a conditional and strictly regulated Basant festival in Lahore from February 6 to 8, issuing an official notification under the Punjab Kite Flying Act, 2025.
A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department said the government had allowed Basant strictly as a recreational and cultural event, warning that no violation of the law would be tolerated.
The restrictions are aimed at maintaining public order and safeguarding religious sentiments during the festival, the spokesperson added.
