LAHORE: A notification issued by the Lahore Deputy Commissioner permitting the celebration of Basant has come under legal scrutiny. The Lahore High Court is now addressing significant concerns regarding public safety and the potential loss of lives associated with the event.
Advocate Azhar Siddique has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court, challenging the notification that granted permission for Basant festivities on February 6, 7, and 8, 2026. The petition highlights the recurring risks attached to kite flying, citing past incidents where lives were tragically lost. Despite these previous mishaps, permissions continue to be granted without sufficiently mitigating the associated dangers.
Recent injuries linked to kite flying have added weight to the petitioner’s argument. The petition states that a girl and a young man sustained serious injuries in recent days due to kite-related accidents in Lahore, reinforcing claims that such activities remain a considerable public hazard.
The petitioner has requested the court to suspend the deputy commissioner’s notification until a final decision on the primary petition is reached. Additionally, it has been urged that the notification be withdrawn entirely, emphasizing that safeguarding human lives must take precedence over cultural celebrations.
Just a day earlier, the district administration had authorized kite flying under specific safety guidelines as part of a conditional approval. Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza issued an announcement stating that Basant will be officially celebrated from February 6 to 8, strictly within Lahore district boundaries.
Safety regulations and restrictions have been outlined to govern kite flying during these dates. Activities outside this timeframe are prohibited, and a zero-tolerance policy has been instituted to avoid repeating past tragedies. To further regulate affairs, businesses engaged in Basant-related activities are allowed to operate legally starting December 30, with kite-flying equipment sales restricted to February 1–8. Mandatory digital registration for manufacturers and sellers has also been introduced, facilitated through the “E-Biz” app and an online portal.
Specific prohibitions have been placed on producing and selling spinning wheels used for deep-wound strings, while kite string is restricted to pre-approved pinna rolls. High-risk materials, including nylon, plastic, metal wire, bloody thread, or chemical-coated string, are strictly banned. DC Musa Raza has warned against any violation of these measures.
In terms of enforcement, police and district officers have been instructed to take stern action against individuals selling or using prohibited strings or equipment. Legal action will be initiated immediately against unauthorized practices related to kite sizes, materials, or sales during this period.
To further enhance public safety during Basant, motorcyclists are now required to install safety wires on their bikes to prevent kite string injuries. Authorities have reiterated that any breaches of size or material restrictions will result in strict penalties.
Despite cultural significance, Lahore’s administration appears focused on balancing festive traditions with public safety requirements, offering strict oversight to minimize risks while still permitting controlled celebrations of Basant.
