LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed a province-wide ban on the manufacture, sale, transport, and use of kites featuring religious or political imagery ahead of Basant 2026, citing concerns over security and public order.
According to a notification issued by the Home Department, the restriction has been enforced for 30 days under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and is effective immediately across the province. The order prohibits kites carrying images of holy scriptures, religious sites, individuals, national flags, or political party symbols.
While the Lahore deputy commissioner has permitted limited kite flying within the city from February 6 to 8 for Basant celebrations, authorities fear that certain elements could attempt to politicise or disrupt the festival. Officials warned that the use of sensitive religious or political symbols on kites could inflame tensions and threaten public peace.
The decision follows reports that kites marked with the number 804 were being prepared for the festival, allegedly to signal political dissent linked to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. The administration believes such displays during public celebrations could lead to confrontations and law and order challenges.
Under the new directive, only plain single-colour or multi-colour kites, commonly known as gudda or patang, will be allowed during the three-day Basant period in Lahore. Any kite displaying religious texts, images of places of worship, portraits, or flags of countries or political parties has been strictly prohibited.
The Home Department said the move was taken as an immediate preventive measure to ensure Basant remains a cultural and recreational event free from provocation, discrimination, or disruption. The ban applies to all stages of the kite trade, including production, storage, transportation, sale, and purchase.
Law enforcement agencies have been directed to take strict action against violators. The Punjab government has also issued standard operating procedures for the celebrations, stressing that public safety and order will remain the top priority during Basant’s return from February 6 to 8.
Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari said the festival would be held under a regulated framework, with kites sold only at authorised stalls and only cotton thread permitted. She added that motorcycle movement would remain restricted during the celebrations and safety wires would be installed on bikes to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with safety rules.
