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LAHORE:
A miscellaneous petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) by advocate Azhar Siddique challenging the notification allowing kite flying activities on February 6, 7 and 8.
The petitioner argued that the notification poses a serious threat to public safety. It was pointed out that a young girl and a young man were recently critically injured in separate incidents involving kite strings, underscoring the continuing risks associated with the practice.
The petition further maintained that several precious lives have been lost due to kite string related incidents in the past, despite existing bans and safety concerns.
The petitioner has requested the court to order recall of the impugned notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner.
It has also been pleaded that the court suspends the notification pending the final decision of the main petition in the interest of public safety.
On Monday, the Lahore district administration formally approved the conditional revival of Basant in 2026, allowing kite flying under a comprehensive set of safety regulations aimed at protecting lives while restoring one of the city’s most famous cultural traditions.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza issued an official notification allowing Basant celebrations within the district limits on 6, 7 and 8 February 2026. The move marked a significant policy shift after years of restrictions, with authorities stressing that the festival will continue only under strict enforcement of safety laws and regulatory oversight.
According to the notification, kite flying will be allowed only on the three designated days, while the manufacture, trade and sale of approved kite flying materials will be regulated through a mandatory registration system. Manufacturers, dealers and sellers have to complete digital registration through the e-Biz application or the official portal basant.punjab.gov.pk, with the registration process already underway.
