Punjab sets March 2027 dates for regulated Basant in Lahore

The decision was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, where departments concerned were

LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced that Basant will be observed in Lahore on March 12, 13 and 14, 2027, with stringent safety and regulatory measures to prevent accidents and protect human lives.

The decision was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, where departments concerned were directed to complete all necessary safety arrangements well ahead of the festivities.

The Home Department clarified that kite flying will remain strictly prohibited across Punjab except during the officially approved Basant dates. Kite flying before or after the designated period will carry a punishment of up to five years in prison and a fine of Rs2 million.

The government has also imposed strict conditions on the manufacture, transportation and sale of kites and kite string. Such activities will require official permission, while production, transportation or sale before government approval could result in up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs5 million.

Under the safety guidelines, kite flying will not be permitted from unsafe or structurally weak rooftops. Boundary walls and grills on rooftops must be strong and at least 3.5 feet high. Building owners will be responsible for ensuring that rooftops used for kite flying are structurally sound and safe.

Owners of buildings in approved areas have been directed to repair rooftops, parapets and stairways before Basant. All required safety measures must be completed by December 31, 2026.

The Lahore deputy commissioner has been instructed to conduct comprehensive inspections of rooftops of old buildings and houses. Authorities may prohibit kite flying from buildings deemed unsafe and can seal premises found violating safety instructions or the law.

Building owners will also be required to ensure that nearby electricity wires are made safe before Basant. LESCO has been directed to protect its installations with safety nets where necessary.

The City Traffic Police Lahore will install safety rods free of cost on more than two million motorcycles before the festivities, according to the Home Department.

The district administration will issue permissions during the current month for the manufacture, transportation and sale of kites and string within the prescribed limits. PHA will also be responsible for safely removing and disposing of kites caught in trees, electricity poles and wires during the celebrations.

Safety certificates will be mandatory for lifts operating in buildings during the three-day event, while storing flammable material on rooftops will be prohibited. All authorised kite-flying locations must also have first-aid facilities available.

The secretary stressed that protecting children would be the primary responsibility of parents, guardians and event organisers. Building owners and organisers will jointly be responsible for ensuring adequate safety arrangements for children and other participants on rooftops.

Authorities will also take action against harassment, disturbance, indecent behaviour or activities causing inconvenience to residents and the general public.

The district administration, police and authorised officials from relevant departments will inspect rooftops being used for kite flying. Building owners and organisers may be held responsible for accidents, injuries, loss of life or violations of the law occurring at their premises.

The Home Department urged citizens to place human safety above entertainment and comply with all legal and safety requirements. Members of the public have been advised to report unsafe, illegal or inappropriate activities to Emergency 15.

The meeting was attended by Special Home Secretary Zainab Khan, the Lahore commissioner and deputy commissioner, DIG Operations Lahore, CTO Lahore, senior Home Department officials, the Director of Law and Director Civil Defence Punjab, along with representatives of LESCO, Parks and Horticulture Authority, Walled City of Lahore Authority and Lahore Development Authority.