LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to impose a ban on kite flying in areas adjacent to airports to ensure uninterrupted air operations and passenger safety, well-placed sources said on Monday.
The decision came days before the Basant celebrations, when the provincial government last month allowed the celebrations under strict conditions and lifted a 25-year ban on kite flying in the province.
Preparations are in full swing across Lahore for the Basant festival, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announcing a provincial holiday on January 6 to mark the celebrations.
The Punjab home department has issued formal orders to the relevant departments today, following which a complete ban on kite flying will be implemented in areas near the airport, the sources added.
Officials say there are concerns about disruption of aircraft movements and accidents due to kite flying, hence this move has been declared unavoidable.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has made it clear that the ban will be strictly implemented and legal action will be taken in case of violation.
Separately, the provincial government has allowed the manufacture of kite-flying materials in four districts along with Lahore.
“The Provincial Cabinet has given approval, through croutation, for the manufacture of permitted kite flying material under section 6(1) of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act, 2025 in the districts of Faisalabad, Kasur, Multan and Shelikhupura,” read a notification issued by the home ministry.
“Permitted kite flying materials as manufactured by these registered manufacturers in the four districts shall be sold only to registered traders or registered sellers (as registered with the Deputy Commissioner, Lahore) for use in the district Lahore on 6th, 7th and 8th February 2026, subject to approval already granted by the Government and not added in any other district.
