LAHORE:
LAHORE
With Basant set to return under tight supervision, authorities have moved to cordon off the celebrations and ban kites with political, religious or provocative images after photographs of kites emblazoned with images of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan emerged on social media, raising concerns over the politically sensitive order for a moment.
With the festival scheduled from February 6 to 8, coinciding with PTI’s protest call on February 8, the provincial administration has enforced Section 144 across Lahore, cutting off any attempt to turn the festive sky into a political or religious soapbox.
The order bans images of political leaders, religious figures, holy books, religious sites, national flags and political party symbols on kites.
The restrictions remain in effect for 30 days.
According to the orders, the manufacture, sale, transportation, storage and use of kites with religious or political designs have been clearly banned.
During Basant, only plain, plain or multi-colored kites without images will be allowed. Authorities said the measures were introduced amid concerns that provocative elements could exploit the festival to promote religious or political messages.
The restrictions came into effect immediately, with law enforcement agencies ordered to take strict action against violators.
The Punjab government has allowed a conditional and strictly regulated Basant festival in Lahore from February 6 to 8 and has issued an official notification under the Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025.
A Punjab Home Ministry spokesman said the government had permitted Basant strictly as a recreational and cultural event and warned that no violation of the law would be tolerated.
The restrictions are aimed at maintaining public order and protecting religious sentiments during the festival, the spokesman added.
