With the kite flying season approaching in Lahore the sale and purchase of kites and flying strings are in full swing and that resulted a large influx of kite buyers in the inner Mochi Gate area.
The rush became so much that force shopkeepers to shut down the shops after one hour.
Citizens raised serious concerns about the sharp hike in prices of kites and strings.
According to buyers, a single tawa kite was being sold for Rs250 to Rs300, which was one-and-a-half tawa kite was available in the range of Rs450 to Rs500
Similarly the high prices of kite string troubled customers, one piece spool of kite string was sold for about Rs4000 and one piece and a half spool was priced at Rs6000.
Shopkeepers said they closed their businesses out of fear of possible action by authorities because of the heavy crowd. However, despite the closure of shops, buyers continued to roam in different areas of Mochi Gate to look for kites and strings.
According to the reports so far, 2,246 traders have been allowed to sell kites and string in the city.
According to the Lahore district administration, a total of 2,504 applications were received for registration.
Out of these, ninety five applications were rejected. Additionally, the registration process of 163 traders is still underway.
The administration said the registration process for kite and string traders will continue until February 8.
Lahore Commissioner Maryam Khan said that all assistant commissioners and relevant departments will remain in the field on the holiday.
She also added that all administrative officers will ensure the enforcement of Basant rules across the city.
The commissioner added that awareness campaigns and safety roads will continue through Basant camps in the city.
Further, she directed officials to guide citizens and seek public cooperation to ensure a safe Basant.
Read also: Basant 2026: kite, string sales to begin in Lahore
