Government Reviews Controlled Return of Basant Festival with Safety First

Punjab Considers Revival of “Safe Basant” Under Strict Regulations
Home Department holds high-level meeting; safety, registration, and legal reforms under review
Lahore, October 8 Ali Imran Chattha 
 

The Punjab government has begun reviewing the possibility of reviving the traditional Basant Festival in a controlled and safe manner. A high-level consultative meeting was held at the Home Department under the chairmanship of Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi to explore the prospects of organizing a Safe Basant during next year’s Spring Festival.
Officials from various departments, including DG Walled City Authority Najam-ul-Thaqib, Commissioner Lahore Maryam Khan, Additional Secretary Home Asma Ijaz Cheema, Additional Secretary Health Dr. Muhammad Waseem, GM Operations LESCO Ijaz Ahmad, SSP Security Abdul Wahab, and representatives from civil society, media, and the All Pakistan Kite Flyers Association participated in the session.
Safety Above All: Government’s Top Priority

Opening the session, Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi emphasized that protection of human lives remains the top priority of the Punjab government. He said no form of kite flying that endangers lives would be permitted, adding that permission for Basant could only be granted after ensuring complete safety measures.
The meeting discussed allowing Safe Basant celebrations for a few specific days in select areas under tight controls. Officials reviewed proposed amendments to the current law that bans kite flying, focusing on introducing a legal framework for conditional celebrations.
NOC, Registration, and Safety Compliance Required

It was proposed that individuals or institutions wishing to celebrate Safe Basant must first obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant Deputy Commissioner.
The property owner applying for the NOC would submit an affidavit confirming full safety arrangements.
Kite makers, sellers, and suppliers would be required to register with the Deputy Commissioner.
Use of nylon, metallic, or glass-coated (manjha) string would remain strictly prohibited.
Violations of the law would lead to cancellation of registration, imprisonment, and heavy fines. Unauthorized kite flying or supply of prohibited materials would be treated as a criminal offense.
 Public Opinion and Future Planning
The Home Secretary directed the Walled City Authority to conduct a public survey to gather citizens’ opinions on the possible revival of Safe Basant.
 The LESCO management also presented detailed reports of past accidents and losses caused by unsafe kite flying, especially due to contact of metallic strings with power lines.
  Economic and Cultural Potential
Civil society representatives in the meeting noted that the controlled revival of Safe Basant could boost tourism, local businesses, and employment. However, all participants agreed that Basant should not be allowed publicly but only in a restricted, controlled, and safe environment.
  Official Statement
  “Protection of human lives is the top priority of the Punjab government. Basant or kite flying can only be permitted once complete safety arrangements are in place,”---Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, Punjab Home Secretary