The Government of Punjab approved kite-flying rules for the Basant festival in the province.  Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said that “nowadays kite-flying is completely banned in the province”.  He said that a kite will not be prepared larger than a certain size. The Home Secretary said that kite flying permission will be granted on February 6 and 7, 2026.  Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said that a special paper and string will be used for kite flying. The registration fee for making and selling kites has been set at Rs1,000. 

The Home Secretary said that no one will be allowed for kites without getting permission from the deputy commissioner.  On December 15, 2025, the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs cleared the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill 2025, proposing a near-total ban on kite-flying, except on specific days and designated locations across the province, with strict penalties to curb fatal accidents and property damage. 

The development comes after the Punjab government lifted a ban on the Basant festival after 18 years, with the festival slated to be celebrated in February next year. The festival was banned in 2007 because of an increasing number of deaths and serious injuries caused by sharp kite strings, particularly to motorcyclists and pillion riders.  Under the bill, flying kites with metallic wires, nylon cord, or strings coated with glass or other sharp materials is prohibited, along with the manufacturing, transport, storage, and sale of kites and hazardous strings. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)