The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) has announced conditional permission for kite flying on the rooftops of its residential areas of Lahore after obtaining a no-objection certificate from the Punjab government.
Before this Basant Festival was only allowed in DHA Phase VII.
According to the new framework, kite flying will be permitted strictly on approved days and within designated zones.
Organizers, residents, or community bodies seeking to arrange kite flying activities must secure prior clearance from relevant government departments, including local administration and law enforcement agencies.
The permission process is intended to ensure compliance with safety protocols, particularly regarding the use of hazardous string and aerial hazards near roads, power lines, and sensitive installations.
Officials associated with the Defence Housing Authority stated that the authority will coordinate with the district administration to monitor implementation. The use of metallic, chemical, or glass-coated string remains prohibited, and violators may face fines, confiscation of materials, or legal action under existing laws.
Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb visited the Moochi Gate and other adjacent areas to review safety measures for the Basant Festival.
During her visit, Maryam Aurangzeb examined kites with QR codes and its size. She also examined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Basant Festival.
On this occasion, shopkeepers and other citizens expressed their satisfaction with the Punjab government’s safety measures. They said that they are feeling happy to celebrate Basant Festival after 25 years.
The Punjab Senior Minister gave instructions on the spot to the Home Department, Police, Traffic Police, and Transport and Rescue 1122.
Maryam Aurangzeb also reviewed the security plan for the Basant Festival. She said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is personally overseeing the security arrangements.
Aurangzeb appealed to citizens to reduce the use of private vehicles and prioritize collective transportation. She added that joint measures are being taken to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, with artificial intelligence systems actively identifying pollution hotspots.
The minister also highlighted that drone surveillance is being used to monitor factories, brick kilns, and vehicles, ensuring strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
IG orders strict enforcement of code of conduct ahead of Basant
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Rao Abdul Kareem on Wednesday directed strict enforcement of the code of conduct to ensure the safe celebration of the three-day Basant festival in Lahore.
According to a police spokesperson, the IGP directed that only registered kite sellers be allowed to sell approved kites and strings, warning that strict legal action would be taken against violators. He also instructed Lahore Police to ensure effective checking and strict enforcement of government-issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding the sale and purchase of kites and strings.
Rao Abdul Kareem said that aerial firing, display of weapons, obscenity and other immoral activities during Basant in Lahore would not be tolerated, and the law would take immediate action against those involved. He reiterated that zero tolerance was being observed across the province against violations of the Anti-Kite Flying Act.
The IGP said that Basant celebrations in Lahore had been permitted strictly under government-defined conditions and only for specified days.