Ahead of the upcoming Basant festival, the Punjab government has imposed a 30-day ban on the manufacturing, sale, and use of kites featuring political party flags or other sensitive imagery to maintain public order and prevent misuse during celebrations.
According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, Section 144 has been enforced to prohibit the purchase, sale, and use of kites displaying images of any individual, religious scripture, holy site, national flag, or political party. The decision was taken after reports suggested that such imagery could be exploited by miscreants to create disorder or fuel discrimination during the festival.
The notification clarified that only plain, single-colored, or multi-colored kites, commonly known as gudda or patang, will be permitted for kite flying in Lahore between February 6 and 8. Kite flying during this period will be allowed strictly for recreational and festive purposes.
The ban covers all stages of activity related to restricted kites, including manufacturing, trade, transportation, storage, sale, and purchase, and will remain in effect for 30 days starting Monday.
Basant is set to return to Lahore after an 18-year gap, with festivities scheduled to take place from February 6 to 8, making the enforcement measures a key part of ensuring peaceful and orderly celebrations.
