LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to impose a ban on kite flying in areas adjacent to airports to ensure uninterrupted air operations and safety of passengers, informed sources said on Monday.
The decision was made days before the Basant celebrations, as the provincial government last month allowed the celebrations under strict conditions, lifting a 25-year ban on kite flying in the province.
Preparations for the Basant festival are in full swing across Lahore, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announcing a provincial holiday on January 6 to mark the celebrations.
The Punjab Home department has today given formal orders to relevant departments, according to which a complete ban on kite flying will be implemented in areas near the airport, sources added.
Officials say there are concerns about disruption in aircraft movement and accidents due to kite flying, so this step has been declared inevitable.
The Home Office has made it clear that the ban will be strictly enforced and legal action will be taken in case of violation.
On the other hand, the provincial government has allowed manufacturing of kite flying materials in four districts apart from Lahore.
“The Provincial Cabinet has granted approval, through croution, for the manufacture of material permitted for kite flying under section 6 (1) of the Punjab Kite Flying Regulation Act, 2025 in the districts of Faisalabad, Kasur, Multan and Shelikhupura,” reads a notification issued by the home department.
“The permitted kite flying material, as manufactured by these registered manufacturers in the four districts, will only be sold to registered traders or registered sellers (as registered with the Deputy Commissioner, Lahore) for use in Lahore district on February 6, 7 and 8, 2026, as per the approval already granted by the government, and not in any other district,” it added.
