The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday rejected a request seeking immediate suspension of the enforcement of the Kite Flying Act 2025 and summoned the concerned parties to present their arguments.
Further proceedings in the case were adjourned until January 16.
Justice Malik Muhammad Awais Khalid heard a petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel.
Appearing on behalf of the petitioner, Advocate Azhar Siddique argued that the Kite Flying Act 2025 violates the fundamental principles of the Constitution. He maintained that kite flying is a dangerous and deadly activity and that allowing it poses serious risks to citizens’ lives.
He requested the court to declare the Kite Flying Act 2025 null and void and to stay its implementation until a final verdict on the petition.
However, the court dismissed the plea seeking immediate suspension of the Act.
Following the court’s order, the petitioner made the Kite Flying Association a party to the case. The court then adjourned further proceedings until January 16 and directed the government’s counsel to present arguments at the next hearing.
Lahore is once again ready for Basant, the festival of color, light and culture. Preparations for Basant Festival 2026 are in full swing in the city and the district administration has prepared a comprehensive plan of decorations and events to make the festival memorable.
According to the administration, 23 important highways and places of the city will be decorated like a bride on the occasion of Basant, for which special themes have been prepared.
Main Boulevard Gulberg, Noor Jahan Road, MM Alam Road, Jail Road, Canal Road, Mahmood Kasuri Road, Main Market and Khayaban-e-Firdowsi will be decorated with special decorations according to the Basant theme.
Similarly, colorful decorations will also be made on Khayaban-e-Jinnah, Shahrah-e-Owin-e-Tejarat, Shadman Market Road, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, North Lahore, Circular Garden, Azadi Chowk and Niazi Interchange.
Pine Avenue, Ravi Toll Plaza (GT Road and M2), Shahdara Flyover and Ferozepur Road will also be painted in the colors of Basant. Apart from this, Railway Station, Airport Road, Hali Road and Gaddafi Roundabout have also been included in the festival plan. Music and cultural events will also be organized during the Basant Festival, for which contact has been completed with famous singers and well-known hosts.
The administration says that the Basant Festival will be celebrated as a safe, organized and family-friendly festival, so that citizens can enjoy this cultural celebration to the fullest.
Separately, on the directions of Director General RDA, Kinza Murtaza, an important meeting was held at the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) to review arrangements for the upcoming Basant Bahar Festival.
The meeting decided that only families will be allowed to enter the festival. Entry passes will be issued to ensure controlled and safe access. Different venues, including Ring Road and Liaquat Bagh, were discussed, and it was agreed that a final decision will be taken soon.
The meeting was chaired by Additional Director General RDA, Muhammad Anwar Baran. He said that all kite strings will be strictly checked before the start of the festival to prevent any untoward incidents.
He added that the Home Department has already started the formal registration of kite and string manufacturers, sellers and kite-flying associations to ensure safe and organized celebrations.
Highlighting the cultural importance of Basant, the Additional DG said it is a centuries-old Punjabi festival that marks the arrival of spring. Blooming mustard fields, colorful kites, fairs and competitions have always been its identity, and reviving this tradition in a safe and disciplined way is RDA’s top priority.
The meeting was attended by Chief Planner RDA Muhammad Tahir Meo, Deputy Director Public Relations Hafiz Muhammad Irfan, Assistant Director Public Relations Abdul Rehman, representatives of PTV and the National College of Arts,and other officials.
Participants stressed that RDA is committed to promoting cultural activities in a regulated manner, ensuring that public safety and law and order remain fully protected during the Basant celebrations.