LAHORE:
A lawyer’s unusual request, made on Monday, to celebrate the Basant festival on the roof of the Lahore Sessions Court was formally rejected by the court.
Sessions Judge Tariq Khurshid Khawaja issued a written order after lawyer Yaseen Butt sought permission to hold the event on the court’s rooftop terrace. The court noted that its premises were a highly sensitive security zone.
The order emphasized that allowing such celebrations within the court premises could pose serious security risks.
It further highlighted that the roof of the Lahore Session Court was not designed or fit to host such events. Considering the safety of judges, court staff, lawyers and the public, the court concluded that permission could not be granted.
The Lahore district administration approved the celebration of Basant from February 6 to 8 this year, allowing kite flying subject to a comprehensive set of safety regulations. Authorities have divided Lahore into red, yellow and green zones to deal with risks associated with kite flying during the upcoming festival.
Read: Punjab CM warns of strict punishment for illegal kite flying during Basant
Strict procedural standards have been approved ahead of the upcoming festival. Only registered kites and cotton lines will be allowed, while glass-coated, chemical and metal lines remain prohibited. Each kite and iron ball will be QR (quick response) code registered to ensure traceability. Authorities will monitor kite flying around the clock through drones, social media monitoring and dedicated control rooms.
Strict action will be taken against illegal activities on the rooftop under Basant, such as firing weapons and drinking. Helmet use and safety harnesses would be mandatory for motorcyclists, while access to red zones without aerials would be prohibited.
Motorcycles would be allowed in red zones only if they are equipped with safety bars and riding without a bar will attract a fine of Rs 2,000. “One million motorcycles in Lahore will be fitted with safety bars at no cost,” Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said earlier.
Outlined restrictions on kite flying include:
- Only “pinna” cotton strings of nine threads will be allowed; spools, nylon and metal wire cords are prohibited.
- Kites and “gudda” larger than approved sizes are prohibited.
- Kite flying outside 6.-8. February will result in legal penalties and parents or guardians will be held responsible for illegal kite flying.
