Lahore issues code of conduct for three-day Basant festival

LAHORE: In a bid to ensure public safety and enforce compliance with Punjab government regulations, the Lahore deputy commissioner on Thursday issued a detailed code of conduct for the three-day Basant festival scheduled to be held in the city from February 6 to 8.

Last month, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz allowed Basant celebrations under strict conditions, effectively ending a 25-year ban on kite flying in the province. Kite flying was banned in 2001 after repeated fatalities caused by chemical- and metal-coated strings, despite enforcement efforts.

According to the notification, the code of conduct will be strictly applicable to all rooftops and premises used for kite flying during the Basant celebrations. Citizens have been urged to comply with the provisions of the Kite Flying Act 2025 and the rules framed under it.

Under the code, the sale and purchase of kites and related accessories will only be permitted from February 1 to 8. The use, possession, sale or display of metallic, chemical, glass-coated, nylon or any other hazardous kite string has been declared strictly prohibited.

The notification also bans loud music, DJs and sound systems, citing Sections 3, 4 and 6 of the Punjab Sound Systems (Regulation) Act, 2015. Aerial firing and the display or use of weapons have been prohibited and will be prosecuted under Section 337-H of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and other applicable laws.

Any act causing nuisance, harassment, obscenity, indecent behaviour or disturbance to neighbours or the general public will invite legal action under Sections 290, 292-A and 509 of the PPC.

The district administration has directed that adequate safety arrangements be ensured to prevent falls from rooftops, electric hazards, overcrowding and other risks to life and property. Kite strings (dor) may only be purchased from vendors registered with the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Lahore, while purchases from unauthorised sources will lead to strict legal action.

The use of unsafe or unsecured rooftops has been prohibited, and the installation of grills or safety walls has been made mandatory to avoid accidents. The installation of safety rods on all motorcycles in Lahore has also been declared mandatory during the festival.

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The code places responsibility for children’s safety on parents and premises owners, while authorised officers of the district administration, police and allied departments may inspect premises at any time. The owner or manager of the premises will be held personally responsible for any injury, loss, incident or violation of laws and regulations.

Earlier, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had said that all relevant departments were actively working to ensure a safe, government-sponsored Basant festival in Lahore. Chairing a review meeting last week, she said a comprehensive traffic plan had been finalised and the city would be divided into different zones for the event.

She added that motorcycles would not be allowed to enter the Red Zone without security wire and that safety rods would be provided free of cost to one million bikers to protect them from kite strings.