After 25 years, kite flying has officially returned to Punjab, as the provincial government has issued a conditional ordinance allowing the celebration of Basant. The ordinance, signed by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, grants permission for Basant under strict regulations, including penalties of imprisonment and heavy fines for violations.
According to the ordinance, individuals under the age of eighteen cannot participate in kite flying, and any violation will hold parents or guardians responsible. Only thread-based string has been permitted, while metallic or chemically coated sharp string (manjha) remains strictly prohibited due to safety risks.
Violation of the law may result in a minimum of three and a maximum of five years in prison, along with fines of up to Rs 2 million. Safety measures for motorcyclists have been mandated across districts, and authorities have been granted powers to search suspicious locations. Offenses under this law will be non-bailable.
For minors, the first violation will incur a fine of Rs 50,000, while a second violation will result in a fine of Rs 100,000. Failure to pay will lead to legal action against the parents or guardians. Kite flying associations must register with the respective deputy commissioners.
Whistleblowers reporting violations will be legally encouraged. Only registered vendors will be allowed to sell kites, with each vendor assigned a QR code. Kites and strings will also carry QR codes to identify sellers and manufacturers.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has revived several cultural and traditional events across Punjab after nearly three decades. Kite flying was banned in 2001, and now 25 years later, the activity has been conditionally reinstated.
The Punjab government has decided to celebrate the Basant Festival in the first week of February. The Home Department has prepared security-related recommendations, which will be sent to the Chief Minister for approval, after which the final date will be announced.
