Section 144 imposed across Punjab ahead of Basant Festival

LAHORE: On the occasion of Basant 2026, the provincial government has taken important decisions to maintain law and order.

The use of religious, political and national symbols on kites has been banned, while Section 144 has been imposed across the province for 30 days.

According to the Punjab Home Department, the order issued under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code 1898 has come into effect immediately. Under this order, only plain single-colored or multi-colored kites will be allowed to fly in Lahore from February 6 to 8, 2026.

This decision has come at a time when the Punjab government has allowed Basant to be celebrated in Lahore on a limited scale and under prescribed rules.

The Deputy Commissioner Lahore, with the approval of the provincial government, had issued a notification on December 29, 2025, permitting kite flying within the district limits of Lahore from February 6 to 8, 2026, under Section 6(1) of the Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025.

According to the Home Department, instructions have also been issued to the Information and Culture Department for public awareness so that citizens can be informed about the laws and restrictions related to Basant.

Government officials say that the aim of these measures is to ensure the safety of citizens, law enforcement and law and order in view of communal and political sensitivities while maintaining the tradition of Basant.