Basant celebrations in Lahore extended till 5am as CM Maryam 'rewards disciplined festivities'

• Punjab CM announcing extending kite-flying festival beyond original Feb 6–8 window
• Cites energy, unity and public compliance with SOPs, urging citizens to celebrate responsibly and avoid safety hazards

LAHORE: Extending the previously announced deadline, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday declared that Basant festivities in Lahore could continue until 5am on Monday.

Earlier, the Punjab government had approved Basant celebrations in the provincial capital for three days, from February 6 to 8.

Announcing the extension in a post on social media platform X, the provincial chief executive said the decision was taken in view of the “incredible energy, festivity, unity, and joy” witnessed across Lahore.

Looking at the incredible energy, festivity, unity, and joy across Lahore, Punjab and Pakistan, as Basant returns after 25 years, I am pleased to announce that Basant celebrations timings are being extended till 5:00 AM tomorrow morning. 🪁

This extension is a reward for the…

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 8, 2026

“I am pleased to announce that Basant celebrations timings are being extended till 5am tomorrow (Monday) morning,” she said.

The chief minister described the extension as a “reward for the people of Lahore” for celebrating Basant with discipline and for responsibly adhering to all prescribed safety standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Urging citizens to continue celebrating responsibly, she cautioned people to stay away from electric wires, secure their rooftops and strictly follow all guidelines.

“Let’s make this historic Basant joyful, safe, and memorable for everyone,” she added.

Background and safety measures

The kite-flying festival was banned in Punjab in 2007 following a rise in deaths and serious injuries caused by sharp kite strings — particularly affecting motorcyclists and pillion riders — as well as incidents of celebratory gunfire.

 

Every inch of Lahore’s sky is claimed! Scenes today ! pic.twitter.com/pSKKcsiPmt

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 8, 2026

In December last year, the Punjab government decided to lift the 18-year ban on Basant, though under strict regulatory measures. The authorities also confined the festivities to Lahore, with CM Maryam Nawaz earlier stating that Basant in the provincial capital was being organised as a pilot project to assess the effectiveness of security protocols and SOPs.

Under the Punjab government’s directives, only cotton string is permitted for kite-flying during Basant. The manufacture of metallic string material and kites exceeding prescribed sizes has been strictly prohibited.

The provincial government has also imposed a ban on the manufacture of kites bearing images of any individual, holy scripture, religious place, the national flag or that of any political party.

Incidents reported

Despite the safety protocols, the Punjab Home Department’s control room received at least 118 Basant-related accident reports during the first two days of the festival, including six fatalities.

According to officials, the casualties included four people who fell from rooftops, while two others lost their lives in separate incidents when young boys attempted to climb an electric pole and a tree to retrieve kites. At least 112 people sustained injuries due to kite twine.