Punjab imposes Section 144 to prevent provocation during Basant
- Strict restrictions are in place to ensure religious harmony and public safety
The Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 for 30 days to prevent provocation and maintain public order during Basant celebrations.
According to a notification issued by the department, strict restrictions have been enforced to ensure religious harmony and public safety.
The use of kites carrying images of sacred religious books, religious places or any religious personality has been completely banned.
Kites displaying flags or symbols of any country or political party have also been prohibited.
The notification further states that for 30 days, the manufacturing, sale, purchase and use of kites with specific designs or symbols will remain banned under Section 144.
During Basant in Lahore, only plain single-colour or multi-colour kites will be allowed.
A spokesperson for the Home Department said that the illegal manufacturing, transportation, storage and sale of prohibited kites will be treated as a punishable offence.
The restrictions were imposed amid concerns that provocative religious or political symbols could be misused during the festival.
The orders under Section 144 have taken immediate effect, and law enforcement agencies have been directed to take strict action against violators.
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Meanwhile, the Punjab government has granted conditional permission to celebrate Safe Basant in Lahore from February 6 to 8.
The Deputy Commissioner Lahore has issued the Basant 2026 notification under the Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025, allowing the festival strictly as a recreational activity.
Authorities have warned that no violation of the law will be tolerated.
Under the Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025, the use of metallic wire, nylon or glass-coated string is strictly prohibited.
Violations related to kite flying may result in imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to Rs2 million, while those involved in the manufacturing or sale of banned materials could face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to Rs5 million.