Lahore Deputy Commissioner Unveils Strict Safety Code for Basant 2026 Kite Festival

Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza has released a comprehensive 12-point code of conduct and safety framework for the upcoming Basant kite-flying festival, scheduled exclusively from February 6 to 8, 2026, within Lahore district boundaries. The guidelines, issued under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, aim to revive the centuries-old spring tradition in a controlled and secure manner after years of prohibition driven by safety risks.

The administration has declared a zero-tolerance policy toward any violations, promising immediate FIR registration, heavy fines, and possible imprisonment for offenders. Dangerous kite strings — including metallic, chemical-coated, glass-coated (manja), nylon, plastic, or any sharp varieties — remain completely banned. Only safe, approved cotton-based “pana” or equivalent strings will be permitted. The sale, purchase, manufacture, or use of prohibited strings will invite swift and severe legal consequences.

All kites and strings must carry unique QR codes registered through the official e-Biz app or basant.punjab.gov.pk portal for full traceability. Only licensed and registered manufacturers, traders, and sellers can participate in production and trade. Kites are restricted to plain or multi-colored designs with strict size limits; any bearing religious symbols, images of personalities, political flags, national flags, or provocative content are prohibited province-wide.

Kite flying will not be allowed near airports, sensitive installations, or other high-risk areas. Aerial firing and loud, disruptive sound systems that disturb public peace are outlawed entirely. Motorcyclists across the city must install mandatory safety rods or neck guards on their vehicles throughout the festival period, with traffic police empowered to impose fines on violators.

Rooftop and building owners are held personally accountable for ensuring protective measures are in place. They will bear liability for any accidents occurring on their premises, and unsafe or non-compliant rooftops are barred from use for kite flying. Minors under 18 may not fly kites without adult supervision, and no kite-flying activity is permitted before February 6 or after February 8.

Manufacturing and trade of permitted materials will run from December 30, 2025, to February 8, 2026, while public sales of kites and strings are restricted to February 1–8, 2026, exclusively through 1,413 approved, QR-registered sale points.

A robust enforcement system featuring drones, Safe City cameras, mobile checkpoints, and dedicated control rooms will monitor compliance citywide. District officers and police have been authorized to inspect rooftops, venues, and sales locations at any time.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza described Basant as an irreplaceable part of Lahore’s cultural heritage but stressed that human lives remain the top priority. He urged parents to closely supervise children and called on all citizens to cooperate fully with the regulations so the festival can be celebrated joyfully, peacefully, and safely. Officials reiterated that any attempt to flout the rules will meet immediate and firm action.