Punjab bans kite flying near airports ahead of Basant

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to impose a ban on kite flying in areas adjacent to airports to ensure uninterrupted air operations and passenger safety, well-placed sources said on Monday.

The decision comes days ahead of Basant celebrations, after the provincial government last month allowed kite flying under strict conditions, lifting a 25-year ban across the province.

Preparations are underway in Lahore for the festival, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announcing a provincial holiday on January 6 to mark the occasion.

According to sources, the Punjab home department has issued formal directives to relevant departments, ordering a complete ban on kite flying in areas near airports. Officials said concerns over aircraft movement and the risk of accidents made the decision unavoidable.

The home department has warned that the ban will be strictly enforced and legal action will be taken against violators.

Separately, the provincial government has allowed the manufacturing of kite-flying materials in four districts, in addition to Lahore.

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A notification issued by the home department said the provincial cabinet approved, through circulation, the manufacturing of permissible kite-flying material under Section 6(1) of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act, 2025, in Faisalabad, Kasur, Multan and Sheikhupura.

It added that kite-flying material manufactured by registered units in these districts may only be sold to registered traders or sellers in Lahore and used exclusively in the city on February 6, 7 and 8, 2026, as per prior government approval, and not in any other district.