The Punjab government has given limited and conditional permission to citizens to celebrate the traditional Basant festival and announced that kite flying will be allowed in Lahore from February 6 to 8 in a safe manner, however, strict security and legal restrictions will be fully implemented during this time. According to the spokesperson of the Home Department, Basant has been allowed to be celebrated only as a recreational and cultural activity and no kind of lawbreaking or provocation will be tolerated.
The official announcement has said that in order to respect religious sentiments and maintain public order, pictures of any religious figure, holy place, religious book, political party or flag of any country will not be allowed on kites. Officials say such signs can create controversy and sensitivities, so they have been completely banned.
Citizens will only be allowed to fly plain or colorful kites without pictures. Along with this, a strict ban has been maintained on the use of dangerous strings. Metal wire, nylon or glass-coated strings have been declared life-threatening and their manufacture and sale has been made illegal. The administration says these strings can pose a serious threat to motorcyclists and children.
The spokesperson warned that strict action will be taken against those flying kites before the due date or illegally. Violations can lead to imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of lakhs of rupees, while those manufacturing or selling prohibited materials can be punished with imprisonment of up to seven years and a heavy fine.
He appealed to citizens to celebrate Basant responsibly and carefully, abide by the rules and cooperate with the administration so that the festival can be held in a safe and pleasant environment.
