Lahore Basant kite flying will be permitted only within Lahore during the three-day Basant festival, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz confirmed on Tuesday. The clarification came as authorities finalized safety plans ahead of the event, which begins on January 6 after a ban lasting nearly two decades.
Speaking at the Basant control room, the chief minister said the provincial government has put strict monitoring and security measures in place. She added that the administration aims to ensure public safety while allowing people to celebrate the traditional festival responsibly. According to her, a comprehensive surveillance and enforcement system is already operational across the city.
The statement followed recent confusion after the Punjab cabinet approved the use of permissible kite-flying materials in additional districts. Those districts include Faisalabad, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Multan. However, Maryam Nawaz stressed that actual kite flying during Basant will remain limited to Lahore only.
She noted that people across Punjab are enthusiastic about Basant. Therefore, the government decided in December to allow the festival under clearly defined conditions. The move marked the formal end of a long-standing prohibition introduced due to safety concerns linked to metallic strings and past fatalities.
Describing Basant as an important cultural tradition, the chief minister said the festival reflects Punjab’s identity and heritage. She encouraged families to pass on Punjabi language and cultural values to younger generations, calling it a source of pride.
While addressing broader governance issues, Maryam Nawaz highlighted improvements in public services. She said the government is expanding access to healthcare, including free heart surgeries for children. Moreover, she claimed Punjab is advancing in technology and artificial intelligence initiatives.
On law and order, the chief minister stated that the situation in Punjab has improved significantly in recent months. She attributed the progress to stronger policing and better coordination among institutions. At the same time, she criticized past administrations for poor governance and damage to public property.
In addition, she announced plans to introduce strict legislation against theft of manhole covers. Under the proposed law, offenders could face up to 10 years in prison. The measure aims to prevent fatal accidents linked to uncovered drains.
With Lahore Basant kite flying now officially restricted to the provincial capital, authorities say enforcement teams will remain active throughout the festival. Officials have urged citizens to follow regulations, use approved materials, and cooperate with security personnel to ensure a safe celebration for all.