The Punjab government has brought Section 144 into force across the province ahead of the Basant festivities, bringing in new restrictions in order to prevent incitement or public disorder.
According to a notification which the Punjab Home Department had issued, the selling, carrying and use of kites with images of religious scriptures, sacred and popular personalities, religious sites, flags of any country or symbols of a political party have been prohibited for 30 days.
The move also covers kites with the image of any political leader including the ones with the image of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, which could be used to generate political tension during the festival.
Officials said the restrictions came after some reports of elements trying to use Basant for provocative political imagery by printing provocative political imagery on kites.
The government has made the production or use of such prohibited kites a punishable offence. The law enforcement agencies will take strong action against the violators.
However, use of plain single-colour or multi-colour kites with no images on them would be permitted during Basant. The provincial government has given conditional approval for a “safe Basant” of Lahore from February 6 to 8.
The Deputy Commissioner Lahore has issued a formal notification of Basant 2026 under Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025.
Under the Act the use of metal wire, nylon string or glass-coated string is still specifically prohibited. Authorities also have banned the manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of dangerous kites and strings.
Violations, such as flying kites outside the designated dates, can be punished with imprisonment up to five years, and a fine of up to Rs2 million.
Officials maintain the measures are aimed at ensuring not only public safety, but preserving the recreational spirit of the festival while at the same time, avoiding political or religious provocation.
Also read: Will Punjab schools close for 10 days for Basant?
