The Punjab government on Tuesday issued the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025, formally lifting the ban imposed on celebrating Basant in the province in 2001, and paving the way for it to resume with certain caveats.
Signed into law by Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, the ordinance calls for a strict regulatory framework aimed at preventing accidents that previously led to Basant’s prohibition. It bans kite flying for children under 18, with parents or guardians to be held responsible for violations. The first offense would incur a fine of Rs. 50,000 and the second Rs. 100,000. Further action would be taken if fines remain unpaid.
Kite-flying would be permitted only with strings made of thread, with strict penalties for using strings made of metal or sharp-edged manjha. Any violators face a prison term of at least three years, and up to five years, as well as a fine of Rs. 2 million. The offense has been classified as non-bailable, and police have been granted authority to search any suspicious premises. String manufacturers must register with the government, with their identity verifiable through QR codes.
Under the ordinance, kite-flying associations would register with the relevant district’s deputy commissioner and all kites must be purchased from registered shopkeepers. Each registered shopkeeper will be linked to a QR code, and kites would also have a QR code to identify the seller.
The deputy commissioner would have the power to permit kite-flying at designated locations, on specific days, and within fixed hours after ensuring no dangerous material is used. Motorcycles would be barred from entering kite-flying zones unless equipped with approved safety features, and district authorities would enforce additional operational restrictions.
There is also a provision in the ordinance for whistleblowers who report violations.