LAHORE: The Punjab government on Monday approved the manufacture of permissible kite-flying material in four additional districts to address rising demand and escalating prices ahead of the much-anticipated Basant festival in Lahore.
After an 18-year hiatus, Basant will be celebrated in the provincial capital from February 6 to 8 under strict regulations. Until now, Lahore was the only district authorised to manufacture approved kite-flying material. However, the provincial cabinet has extended this permission to Faisalabad, Kasur, Multan and Sheikhupura.
According to a February 1 letter issued by the Punjab Home Department to the relevant deputy commissioners, manufacturers must register with their district administrations and through the Punjab government’s e-Biz digital portal. Moreover, they are only allowed to produce material that meets officially prescribed standards.
The government has reiterated that only cotton string may be sold for kite-flying, while metallic strings and oversized kites remain strictly prohibited. Authorities have also fixed kite dimensions, allowing only specific sizes and banning the production or flying of larger kites altogether.
In addition, the government has prohibited kites displaying images of individuals, religious texts or places, national flags or political party symbols.
Sales restricted to Lahore, safety measures tightened
Under the approved framework, registered manufacturers in the four districts may sell their products exclusively to traders and sellers registered with the Lahore deputy commissioner. These materials may only be used within Lahore during the three festival days.
Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said the decision aims to bridge the demand-supply gap and stabilise prices. He added that Lahore-based traders have also been allowed, with prior approval, to procure permissible material from other provinces.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that each twine ball would carry a QR code to ensure traceability from manufacturer to buyer. She stressed that all suppliers must comply with safety regulations.
Separately, the cabinet approved kite-flying bans in sensitive areas around Lahore airport. Acting on recommendations from the Pakistan Airports Authority, authorities will impose Section 144 in designated zones to ensure flight safety during Basant.
