The Punjab government has imposed strict restrictions under Section 144 to prevent provocation and maintain public order during Basant, banning the use of kites carrying any kind of images or symbols.
According to an official notification, the government has enforced the measures to ensure religious harmony and public safety during the festival. The notification clearly prohibits the manufacture, sale, transportation and use of kites displaying images of sacred books, religious places, personalities, national flags or political party symbols.
The ban on kites with religious or political imagery will remain in effect for 30 days.
The notification states that only plain kites without any pictures, whether single-coloured or multi-coloured, will be allowed during Basant. Authorities have declared the production, storage, sale and use of illegal kites a punishable offence.
Punjab government said that there was a risk that certain elements could use religious or political symbols on kites to incite unrest during the festival. It added that the orders under Section 144 have taken immediate effect and directed law enforcement agencies to take strict action against violations.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department said the government has granted conditional permission for a “safe Basant” in Lahore from February 6 to 8.
The festival will be treated as a recreational event, and authorities will not tolerate any violation of the law.
The spokesperson said the restrictions aim to protect public order and respect religious sentiments. He confirmed a complete ban on metallic wire, nylon string and glass-coated kite string. Manufacturing, transport, storage, sale and use of dangerous strings and kites remain strictly prohibited.
According to the Home Department, kite flying before the approved dates can lead to up to five years in prison and a fine of up to Rs2 million.
Those involved in the manufacture or sale of prohibited materials may face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to Rs5 million.