Lahore is gearing up for a three-day Basant festival next month, with authorities introducing strict safety measures aimed at protecting citizens during the city’s iconic kite-flying event.
Among the new rules, all motorcycles on city roads during Basant must be equipped with safety rods. The measure comes under the Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, and authorities have warned that non-compliant motorcycles will not be allowed to circulate in Lahore during the festival.
“Mehfooz Basant”, as the event has been branded, will be held February 6, 7, and 8 within Lahore district limits. Commissioner Maryam Khan, while chairing a meeting with kite associations, police, and district officials, shared the details and emphasized public cooperation for a safe celebration.
To facilitate compliance, 100 road safety camps will be set up across the city to fit safety rods on motorcycles, with a capacity of 50,000 to 60,000 motorcycles per day. Authorities estimate that around one million motorcycles will receive safety rods ahead of Basant.
Kite flying remains banned until February 6, and the production of kites and related materials is restricted to Lahore district. Sales will officially begin February 1 and continue until February 8.
Commissioner urged citizens and associations to follow the rules, warning that violations will result in strict legal action. So far, 204 cases have been registered against illegal kite flying in the city. Only registered manufacturers, traders, and sellers with valid no objection certificates (NOCs) will be allowed to operate during the festival.
The new rules mark one of the strictest safety initiatives for Basant in recent years, reflecting authorities’ efforts to balance tradition with public safety.