Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has announced that the traditional Basant festival is returning to the province after 25 years-this time under strict regulations aimed at ensuring public safety.
She said the festival, once considered dangerous due to hazardous kite-flying practices, has now been transformed into a safe and fully monitored cultural celebration.
In a statement issued on Thursday, she said that the production and sale of deadly, metallic, or chemically coated kite strings have been completely eliminated from Punjab. She warned that anyone found using or selling such material will face three to five years imprisonment along with fines of up to Rs 2 million. Children under 18 will also be barred from kite flying.
The minister added that under the revised Kite Flying Act, violations committed by minors will result in fines of Rs 50,000 for the first offence and Rs 100,000 for the second-penalties that will be imposed on parents or guardians. Furthermore, manufacturers and sellers of kite string must now register with the government, and every string roll will carry a QR-coded identification mark.
Highlighting steps taken to enhance road safety during Basant, Bokhari said motorcyclists will be subject to stricter traffic regulations. The goal of the new laws, she stressed, is to protect citizens’ lives, not to punish them. Repeated traffic violations may even result in vehicle auction.
She also noted that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has prohibited the handcuffing of minors, ensuring that underage offenders will face fines instead of arrest. Legislation is being prepared to provide legal cover for underage motorcyclists as well.
Urging the public to observe the regulations, she called on citizens to cooperate with authorities to protect not only their own lives but also the lives of others as Basant festivities return to Punjab.