LAHORE (MNN); After nearly two decades, the Punjab government on Tuesday ended the 18-year ban on kite flying and formally permitted the celebration of Basant, but only under strict safety rules.
The ban, imposed in 2007, followed a surge in fatal incidents and serious injuries caused by dangerous, chemically coated and sharp kite strings, along with celebratory gunfire. Motorcyclists and pillion riders were among the most frequent victims.
According to the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, enacted by Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, individuals under 18 years of age will not be allowed to participate in kite flying. Those violating the rules will face a fine of Rs50,000 for the first offence and Rs100,000 for repeat violations. If the fine is not paid, legal action will be taken against the violator’s father or guardian.
Kite-flying associations and shopkeepers will be registered with the respective district’s deputy commissioner. Every registered seller will be linked to a QR code, and each kite will also carry a QR code to trace its manufacturer or seller.
Anyone violating the regulations may face three to five years in prison and fines of up to Rs2 million. Only thread-based kite strings will be permitted, while metallic, chemical-coated, or sharp strings remain strictly prohibited.
The festival was previously banned due to the rising number of casualties, especially in areas like the Walled City, where thin and nearly invisible strings – reportedly reinforced with glass or metal – caused life-threatening injuries to motorcyclists.
