Basant Returns After 18 Years — But Only in Lahore

Published On: January 22, 2026

The Punjab government has clarified that Basant will not be celebrated across the province, announcing that the festival will be restricted exclusively to Lahore and held on a limited scale.

The decision ends speculation about province-wide celebrations and confirms that kite flying will remain banned in all districts except Lahore.

Basant Returns to Lahore After 18 Years

Basant is set to return to Lahore after nearly 18 years, following the passage of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill, 2025, which was approved by the provincial assembly on December 24.

According to an official notification, the Lahore deputy commissioner has approved a three-day Basant festival from February 6 to 8, 2026.

Cabinet Committee Confirms Decision

The decision was finalized during the 46th Cabinet Committee on Law and Order meeting, chaired by Khawaja Salman Rafique, and held at the Punjab Home Department.

Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi informed the meeting that the provincial cabinet has approved Basant only for Lahore, with zero tolerance for kite flying elsewhere in Punjab.

Senior officials, including divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners, joined the meeting via video link to discuss security, enforcement, and safety arrangements.

Strict Ban Outside Lahore

Officials warned that any kite flying outside Lahore will be treated as a violation of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025, and will result in strict legal action.

Authorities described the Lahore event as a pilot project, cautioning that any serious accident could lead to a permanent ban on Basant in the future.

CM Directs Free Transport During Basant

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has issued special instructions to facilitate citizens during the festival.

Key directives include:

Free bus and rickshaw rides during Basant days
Advising the public to limit motorcycle usage
Possible deployment of college and university buses to manage traffic congestion

Crackdown on Illegal Kite Flying Continues

Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Department has directed authorities across the province to intensify action against illegal kite flying, particularly the use of chemical-coated and metal strings.

Officials cited multiple recent incidents, including the injury of a six-year-old girl in Kasur, whose throat was slashed by a chemical-coated kite string while riding a motorcycle.

Authorities warned that kite flyers, sellers, and manufacturers involved in illegal activities could face arrest and prosecution.

Public Urged to Follow Safety Rules

The government has urged citizens to cooperate with authorities, follow safety guidelines, and prevent illegal practices to ensure the safe continuation of Basant in Lahore.