‘A safe, regulated Basant is returning after 25 years’: Azma

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that after 25 years, the joy of Basant is returning to Punjab—this time completely safe, regulated and strictly monitored.

She emphasized that Basant is no longer a dangerous activity but a secure cultural celebration, and no one will be allowed to violate the law.

Azma Bokhari stated that the business of deadly, metallic, and chemically coated kite strings has been permanently eradicated from the province. She added that children under 18 will not be allowed to fly kites, and the use or sale of metal or chemically coated string will result in 3 to 5 years of imprisonment and fines up to Rs 2 million.

She further said that violations of the Kite Flying Act by children will incur Rs 50,000 fine for the first offence and Rs 100,000 for the second.

Additionally, registration has been made mandatory for those who manufacture or sell kite string, with QR-coded identification required on every roll, she said.

Azma Bokhari explained that safety measures for motorcyclists have also been tightened. She clarified that the objective of Punjab’s new traffic laws is not punishment, but the protection of every citizen’s life, home, and family. Traffic violations will lead to fines, and repeated offences may result in vehicle auction.

The minister said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has strictly banned the handcuffing of minors, ensuring that underage offenders will only be fined—not arrested. She added that legislation is also being drafted to provide legal cover for underage motorcyclists.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025