LAHORE: The Punjab government has introduced a law allowing kite flying under certain conditions, granting approval for Basant celebrations through an ordinance signed by the Governor of Punjab.
The ordinance sets detailed regulations for Basant festivities, enforcing strict penalties for violations. Children under 18 are prohibited from flying kites; in cases of non-compliance, their guardians will be held accountable. Additionally, only cotton threads are permitted for kite flying, while the use of metallic or sharp-edged threads is strictly forbidden and will result in severe consequences.
Those violating the law face imprisonment ranging from three to five years and fines up to Rs2 million. For children under 18, a first offense will result in a fine of Rs50,000, with a second offense increasing to Rs100,000.
Kite flying associations are required to register with the Deputy Commissioner of their respective districts, ensuring regulated operations. Kites must be purchased exclusively from registered vendors, each linked to a unique QR code. Likewise, kites themselves must carry QR codes to trace their source.
Thread manufacturers will also need to register and issue QR codes to verify their identity.
This law marks a significant change, as kite flying had been banned in Punjab since 2001. After 25 years, conditional approval has now been granted under strict guidelines.
