LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari has strongly dismissed rumours about multiple Basant celebrations and emphasized that Basant festivities are officially scheduled for February 6, 7, and 8.
She reiterated that kite flying on any other dates will not be permitted under any circumstances. She said Basant will be celebrated strictly under rules and regulations, and every kite and string used during the festival will be officially registered. Kites will carry QR codes, while manufacturers, string makers, and sellers will also be registered and licensed. Only licensed individuals will be authorized to sell kites, she added.
Azma Bokhari stated that the purpose of this system is to ensure that substandard and metallic strings are completely eliminated, as unsafe strings in the past turned this beautiful festival into a dangerous one and caused loss of life.
She emphasized that the Punjab Government will not allow anyone to put lives at risk. In connection with Basant, free safety antennas are being provided by the Traffic Police for motorcyclists to prevent accidents during the festival days, she added.
Azma Bokhari said that, on the direction of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, this vibrant cultural festival is being revived responsibly, so that Lahore can once again reclaim its cultural and traditional identity. She added that if Lahoris demonstrate responsibility this year, the festival could potentially be celebrated across Punjab next year.
The Minister said Basant is a festival of joy, colour, and culture. “The true spirit of Basant lies in flying kites not in endangering someone’s life with metallic string. We must collectively ensure that this festival is celebrated safely, responsibly, and joyfully,” she added.
She announced that the Information & Culture Department is also organizing special cultural programmes for Basant, featuring music, food, kite flying, and a variety of other activities.
She added that the Chief Minister aims to restore the festive spirit, colours, and joy of Punjab and protecting these celebrations is our shared responsibility.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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