- 2007 Basant ban lifted final week below Punjab Kite Flying Act, 2025.
- Part 144 in impact to keep up public order, spiritual concord.
- Kites with spiritual, political, or nationwide symbols are banned.
Basant competition kicked off in Lahore shortly after midnight on Thursday as Punjab formally lifted a greater than two-decade ban, with authorities imposing strict security measures to stop accidents linked to kite flying.
The three-day competition will proceed till February 8. The ban, imposed in 2007 over deaths and accidents attributable to sharp kite strings and celebratory gunfire, was lifted by way of laws final week.
Punjab Info Minister Azma Bokhari reached Delhi Gate in Lahore to inaugurate the Basant competition by flying a kite. She stated, “The wait is lastly over. The competition is about to start.”
Talking from the venue, Bokhari added, “Ladies, kids, the aged, and males are all having fun with Basant. Nobody is disturbing anybody; everyone seems to be celebrating freely. We pray that these festivities proceed for 3 days with none hurt.”
In an earlier assertion, she additionally stated the competition was being carefully monitored, with legislation enforcement businesses deployed throughout the town to make sure public security.
She stated complete situations have been put in place to keep away from any lack of life through the celebrations. The Punjab authorities final week promulgated the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025, into an act, offering the authorized foundation for resuming Basant.
In her Basant message, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that kites have returned to Lahore’s skies after 25 years. She urged folks to have fun the competition responsibly, comply with all security SOPs, and make Basant secure for everybody.
She additionally thanked former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for bringing pleasure and peace again to Punjab and Pakistan.
Beneath the brand new legislation, cops of sub-inspector rank and above are authorised to conduct searches and make arrests with out warrants in instances supported by credible proof.
Kite-studded sky
Myriads of kites have changed stars in Lahore’s night time skies because the Basant competition will get underway, with festivities in full swing on rooftops, whereas children have taken to the streets to observe kites soar and fall.
Ladies are additionally actively participating within the celebrations, lifting the competition’s spirit. Many are on rooftops ready to fly kites, whereas others have adorned their arms with henna, worn vibrant garments, and welcomed Basant with conventional treats.
CM Maryam Nawaz additionally visited Liberty Chowk in Lahore to overview Basant preparations, spoke to residents, and urged motorcyclists to make use of security rods. Residents thanked the CM for permitting the competition and appreciated the federal government’s security measures.
Particular bus companies have been organized throughout completely different routes within the metropolis for the competition. In response to the Street Transport Authority, the complete metropolis will likely be coated by these devoted Basant transport companies.
Earlier, the Punjab authorities finalised preparations for the secure celebration of Basant in Lahore from February 6 to eight, imposing Part 144 to keep up public order and non secular concord.
In response to a spokesperson for the Punjab Residence Division, sure restrictions have been imposed throughout Basant to uphold peace and respect spiritual sentiments.
The spokesperson stated kites carrying pictures or symbols of holy books, spiritual locations, personalities, political events or nationwide flags have been fully banned.
Nonetheless, plain single- or multi-coloured kites with out pictures will likely be allowed throughout Basant in Lahore.
The spokesperson stated Basant has been permitted as a leisure competition and that no violation of the legislation will likely be tolerated.
Beneath the brand new legislation, the usage of metallic wire and nylon string is totally banned, whereas the set up of security rods on bikes has been made necessary throughout Basant in Lahore.
The Residence Division has issued particular safety tips, directing the district administration and police to make sure strict implementation of all notified guidelines and rules.
Autos coming into Lahore will likely be subjected to strict checking and scanning, and solely legally permitted kite-flying materials will likely be allowed into the town, whereas prohibited gadgets will likely be confiscated.
The spokesperson added that aerial firing and the show of weapons are fully banned, with strict authorized motion to be taken in opposition to violators.
Rescue 1122 has been positioned on full alert to deal with any emergency, whereas all hospitals have been directed to make sure the provision of specialists, medical employees and important medicines throughout Basant.
