The Lahore deputy commissioner has issued a detailed code of conduct for the three-day Basant festival scheduled from February 6 to 8. The move aims to ensure public safety and enforce the Punjab government regulations.
The announcement followed the Punjab government’s decision to allow Basant celebrations under strict conditions. The approval ended a 25-year ban on kite flying in the province.
Punjab imposed the ban in 2001 after repeated fatalities caused by chemical and metal-coated kite strings. Despite restrictions, such incidents continued in later years.
The deputy commissioner said the code of conduct will apply to all rooftops and premises used for kite flying during the festival. Authorities have urged citizens to comply with the Kite Flying Act, 2025 and related rules.
Under the guidelines, the sale and purchase of kites and accessories will remain allowed only from February 1 to 8. All activities must follow instructions issued by the Punjab government and the Lahore district administration.
بسنت 2026:محفوظ بسنت،ذمہ دارشہری
لاہور میں 6، 7 اور 8 فروری 2026 کوبسنت منانے کی اجازت ہے۔
صرف کیو آرکوڈ والی، @GovtofPunjabPK کی اجازت یافتہ پتنگیں اور ڈور استعمال کریں۔
❌ کیمیکل ڈور، چرخی اوربغیر کیو آرکوڈ اشیاء ممنوع#Basant2026 #KiteFlying #BasantLahore @OfficialDPRPP
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— Lahore Police Official (@Lahorepoliceops) January 28, 2026The use, sale, display, or possession of metallic, chemical, glass-coated, nylon, or any hazardous kite string remains strictly prohibited. Authorities warned that violations will invite legal action.
Officials have also banned loud music, DJs, and sound systems during the festival. The restriction falls under the Punjab Sound Systems (Regulation) Act, 2015, to prevent noise pollution and public disturbance.
Aerial firing and the display or use of weapons are prohibited. Offenders will face prosecution under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The code bars any act that causes nuisance, harassment, obscenity, or disturbance to neighbours or the public. Authorities stressed that maintaining public order is mandatory.
لاہور میں بسنت قانون کے تحت منائی جائے گی، قانون کی خلاف ورزی پر جرمانے اور سزائیں ہوں گی، ہم نہیں چاہتے یہ چیزیں اس طرف جائیں، ہم چاہتے ہیں لوگ اس تہوار کو اپنے دوستوں اور فیملی کے ساتھ انجوائے کریں، علی اعجاز ڈپٹی کمشنر لاہور@DCLahore
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— Nadir Guramani (@nguramani) January 28, 2026Organisers and residents must ensure that safety arrangements are in place on rooftops. These include preventing falls, avoiding overcrowding, and reducing electric hazards. Unsafe rooftops and unsecured gatherings are not allowed.
Kite strings may only be purchased from vendors registered with the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Buying from unauthorised sources will trigger strict legal action.
The installation of safety rods on all motorcycles in Lahore is mandatory during the festival. Parents and property owners will remain responsible for the safety of children.
Authorised officers from the district administration and police may inspect premises at any time. The owner or manager of each premises will bear responsibility for any injury, loss, or violation.
Last week, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said all departments were working to ensure safe Basant celebrations in Lahore. She made the remarks while chairing a review meeting on festival arrangements.
The chief minister said authorities had finalised a comprehensive traffic plan. She also announced that the government would provide free safety rods to one million motorcyclists. The measure aims to protect riders from dangerous kite strings during the festival.
