Islamabad Police have launched a comprehensive crackdown against kite flying and kite sellers as part of a zero tolerance policy against the dangerous practice commonly referred to as the bloody game.
According to a police spokesperson 93 cases have been registered against individuals involved in kite selling and kite flying. During the operations police recovered more than 17,000 kites and over 12,000 reels of hazardous chemical-coated string.
The spokesperson added that all seized kites and deadly chemical string have been destroyed. SSP Operations said that chemical string poses a serious threat to innocent children motorcyclists, and pedestrians and has been responsible for several tragic incidents in the past.
Islamabad Police have urged parents to play their role by preventing their children from engaging in kite flying and from using or purchasing chemical-coated string stressing that public cooperation is essential to ensure safety.
For nearly two decades, Lahore has remained without the colours of Basant.
An entire generation has grown up only hearing about the festival through old photos and family stories.
The people who will participate in Basant 2026 for the first time have all heard stories about the colours of the event and the horrors it can bring along.
However, this year, Basant is set to return to the city with strict rules and safety measures.
One of the most popular ones is the safety rod that is supposed to be attached in front of bikes, and is expected to help prevent cuts from the kite strings.
Many young people in Lahore, especially those aged between 18 and 25, have never experienced Basant.
Basant 2026 celebrations
The Punjab government has allowed Basant with strict regulations.
According to the rules, the kite string must be made of cotton. It should not have more than nine threads and not fewer than 28 counts.
Additionally, only registered sellers are allowed to sell kite material.
As per the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules 2025, a patang must not exceed 35 inches in width and 30 inches in length.
A kite must not exceed 40 inches in width and 34 inches in length.
The Lahore district administration has issued QR codes to manufacturers, traders, and sellers.
During Basant, monitoring will be carried out by the police, the district administration, traffic police, the chief minister’s monitoring cell, the Punjab Safe City Authority, and other departments. Drones will also be used for surveillance.
Also read: Basant 2026: where to enjoy, which events to attend in Lahore?
