Punjab unveils new rules, regulations for kite-flying ahead of Basant festival 2027

• Govt sets December 30, 2026 as the deadline for their full implementation

• Senior Punjab Minister says compliance with these instructions would be mandatory for every citizen, building owner and event organizer

• Says kite-flying would only be permitted on secure rooftops with boundary walls at least three-and-a-half feet high

 LAHORE: The Punjab government on Friday announced a comprehensive set of rules and regulations for kite-flying ahead of the Basant Festival 2027, setting December 30, 2026 as the deadline for their full implementation.

The regulations have been issued on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to ensure the protection of life and property. The chief minister said compliance with these guidelines would be mandatory for every citizen, building owner and event organizer, according to a handout issued by DGPR.

After nearly two decades, a three-day Basant festival was celebrated in Lahore in February following the decision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to lift the ban on the cultural festival of colours and kite-flying, subject to strict regulations.

The festival had been banned in 2007 due to a rising number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by hazardous kite strings—particularly affecting motorcyclists and pillion riders—as well as incidents of celebratory gunfire.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said the festival will be held in February 2027 and will be “bigger and better than the one held this year.”

According to Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, “The new regulations have been issued on the directives of CM Maryam to ensure the protection of life and property.”

She said compliance with these instructions would be mandatory for every citizen, building owner and event organiser, adding that kite-flying would only be permitted on secure rooftops with boundary walls at least three-and-a-half feet high.

She further said parents and guardians had been directed to ensure continuous supervision of children, stressing that minors would not be allowed near roof edges without adult supervision as “their safety is the top priority.”

Under the new rules, running, jumping and hanging over rooftop edges have been strictly prohibited.

The regulations also ban overcrowding on rooftops, stating that the number of persons present at any time must not exceed the structure’s safe load-bearing capacity.

Event organisers have also been made responsible for managing crowd size and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

The rules further prohibit the use of loud music, DJ systems, high-decibel sound systems, or any other activity causing noise pollution or disturbance to public order and tranquillity.

To maintain public decorum, any act causing nuisance, harassment, obscenity, indecent behaviour or disturbance to neighbours or the general public has been banned. Such violations will be treated as offences under Sections 290, 292-A and 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The new framework also mandates the availability of first aid kits at all premises where kite-flying activities are organised. In case of accidents or violations, building owners and event organisers will be held individually and jointly responsible.

The chief minister said the regulations were designed to ensure safe celebrations and prevent the loss of precious lives.

“Strict legal action will be taken against violators as playing with lives in the name of kite-flying will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” she said.

She directed deputy commissioners (DCs) and district police officers (DPOs) to ensure strict enforcement of the rules.

CM Maryam Nawaz also appreciated citizens for complying with regulations during Basant celebrations this year, expressing confidence that Lahore would once again ensure full compliance in the first phase of Basant 2027.

“Citizens of Lahore fully implemented the rules during Basant. I am confident that during the first phase of Basant 2027, the people of Lahore will again ensure compliance with the regulations,” she added.