LAHORE:
The metropolis will host Basant from March 12 to 14, 2027, amid comprehensive safety measures and a province-wide ban on kite flying outside the designated dates.
In a meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi, the departments concerned were directed to complete preparations well before the festival.Under the directives, kite flying will not be permitted on unsafe or structurally weak rooftops.
Boundary walls and grills on rooftops used for kite flying must be at least 3.5 feet high and structurally sound. Building owners will be responsible for ensuring the safety of rooftops used, while repair of rooftops, parapets and stairways at authorised locations have been ordered.
The owners have been directed to complete all safety arrangements by December 31.
The deputy commissioner has also been directed to arrange comprehensive inspections of rooftops of old buildings and houses.
Kite flying will remain prohibited on buildings declared unsafe following inspection.
Owners will also be required to ensure that electricity wires located close to rooftops are properly protected.
The city traffic police has been directed to install safety rods free of charge on more than two million motorcycles before the Basant, while the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) will protect installations with safety netting.
The DC will issue permissions during the ongoing month for the manufacture, transportation and sale of kites and string subject to requirements.
During Basant, the Parks and Horticulture Authority will remove kites entangled in trees, while LESCO will clear electricity poles and wires.
Safety certificates will be mandatory for lifts in buildings during the festival and storage of inflammable material on rooftops will be prohibited.
First-aid equipment will also be mandatory at authorised locations.
The government has placed responsibility for children’s safety on parents, guardians and organisers. Building owners and organisers will jointly be responsible for ensuring safety arrangements for participants on rooftops.
Authorised officials of the district administration, police and other relevant departments will inspect rooftops used for kite flying.
The DC will have the authority to seal buildings found violating the laws or government directions.
The building owner and organiser concerned will be held responsible for any accident, death, injury or violation of law on the occasion.
The home department warned that kite flying outside the designated period can result in imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to Rs2 million. Unauthorised manufacture, transportation or sale of kites and string can attract imprisonment of up to seven years and fine of Rs5 million.
The Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2025, provides the legal framework for controlled kite flying and related activities in the province.
Dr Qazi urged citizens to prioritise human life over recreation and comply with all safety instructions and laws. Citizens were asked to report unsafe, illegal or inappropriate activities on Emergency Helpline 15.
