LAHORE: The Punjab government has started discussions on organizing a ‘Safe Basant Festival’ as part of the Jashan-e-Baharan (Spring Festival) next year.
A consultative meeting was held at the Punjab Home Department, chaired by Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, to review proposals for reviving the traditional kite-flying event in a controlled and secure environment.
The participants agreed that open and unrestricted Basant celebrations could not be allowed under any circumstances.
The meeting was attended by Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) Director General Najamus Saqib, Lahore Commissioner Maryam Khan, Additional Secretary (Home) Asma Ijaz Cheema, Additional Secretary (Health) Dr. Muhammad Waseem, All Pakistan Kite Flying Association President Shakeel Sheikh, and other concerned officials.
Dr. Qazi emphasized that human safety would remain the government’s top priority. He said any kite-flying activity that could endanger lives would not be permitted. Basant celebrations could only be allowed after ensuring strict safety protocols and compliance with regulations, he added.
The participants also discussed proposed amendments to the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying Ordinance, suggesting that a “Safe Basant” could be held as a regulated cultural event during the Spring Festival.
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It was proposed that kite flyers must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the respective deputy commissioner. Property owners hosting Basant events on rooftops or grounds would also need to submit an affidavit ensuring all safety measures.
The meeting further decided that the use of nylon, metal wire, chemical-coated string, or sharp thread (tandi) would remain strictly banned. All kite manufacturers, sellers, and suppliers must be registered with their deputy commissioners, it added.
Officials were informed that any violation of kite-flying laws would lead to cancellation of registration, heavy fines, and imprisonment.
The Home Secretary directed the WCLA to conduct a public opinion survey on the possible revival of Safe Basant. He also asked the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) to provide detailed data on past accidents and losses caused by hazardous kite-flying activities.
