LAHORE: Pakistan’s cultural city of Lahore will celebrate Basant for three days from March 12 to 14, 2027, under a formal Punjab government notification that shortens an earlier proposal for 10 days of festivities and introduces strict safety measures for kite flying.
Get ready for 3 days of non-stop energy, culture, and Basant celebrations in Lahore from 12th to 14th March 2027! 🪁🥳
@MaryamNSharif https://t.co/twmKJzfEkG— Zonia Zia (@ZoniaZia02) October 23, 2026
The notification, issued on Friday by Lahore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz with provincial government approval, permits kite flying across the district during the three-day period, except in designated prohibited zones, including areas near Allama Iqbal International Airport.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had earlier approved a 10-day Basant festival, describing it as a major festive gift for Lahore’s residents. However, the formal notification has now fixed the celebrations to a three-day window.
لاہور میں 12، 13، 14 مارچ 2027 کو محفوظ بسنت کیلئے حفاظتی انتظامات۔ محکمہ داخلہ پنجاب نے کی سخت ہدایات جاری کر دیں۔ 31 دسمبر 2026 سے قبل چھتوں پر کم از کم ساڑھے 3 فٹ کی مضبوط حفاظتی دیوار تعمیر کرنا لازم قرار۔ ڈپٹی کمشنر لاہور کو پرانی عمارتوں اور گھروں کی چھتوں کا مکمل معائنہ کروانے کی ہدایت۔ ساڑھے 3 فٹ سے کم دیواروں والی چھتوں پر بسنت نہیں ہوگی
#Punjab #Home #Basant2027 #Guidelines #SafeBasant #SecurityMeasures
— Home Department Punjab (@homedptpunjab) October 23, 2026
Digital registration and strict kite-flying rules
Under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2025, manufacturers, traders and sellers must complete digital registration before conducting business in kite-flying materials. Registration is available through the Punjab government’s E-biz app or the dedicated Basant portal at https://basant.punjab.gov.pk.
The notification sets separate periods for manufacturing, purchasing, transporting, storing and selling permitted kite-flying materials. Registered manufacturers may produce approved materials from September 5, 2026, to March 14, 2027. Purchases from manufacturers, transportation and storage are permitted from February 1 to March 14, while sales to the public are allowed from February 10 to March 14 through registered sellers.
Read Also: Pakistan Sets 10-Day Basant Celebrations from January 29 to February 7 in Lahore
Businesses must display registration certificates at approved premises and maintain records of stock, sales and the movement of materials for inspection by authorised officials.
The regulations also specify kite sizes and restrict strings to approved cotton materials and coatings. Nylon and plastic cords, metallic wire, sharp or injurious strings and prohibited chemical additives are banned.
Kite flying outside the authorised dates can carry a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of Rs2 million, according to the announced restrictions.
لاہور میں بسنت 12 مارچ ،13 مارچ اور 14 مارچ کو منائی جائے گی، نوٹیفکیشن جاری ہو گیا
#basant #lahore https://t.co/cvD0iydNFl— Fasih Ullah (@fasih59) October 23, 2026
Rooftop, motorcycle and airport safety
Property owners must ensure that rooftops used for kite flying are structurally safe and have boundary walls at least 3.5 feet high by December 31.
The district administration will inspect old buildings and prohibit kite flying from rooftops considered unsafe. Authorities may also seal buildings over violations of the directions or applicable law.
With compliments from the Directorate General of Public Relations, Government of the Punjab, Lahore Ph. 99201390
Tauseef Sabih Gondal
HANDOUTPunjab Sets Strict Rooftop Safety Rules for Safe Basant in Lahore on March 12–14, 2027
Lahore, October 23, 2026: An important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Secretary Home Punjab Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi to review arrangements and safety measures for the celebration of Safe Basant in Lahore. Safe Basant will be held in Lahore on March 12, 13 and 14, 2027 as per the directions of the Punjab Government. Secretary Home Punjab Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi said that protecting human lives was the government’s foremost priority and that kite flying would not be permitted on any unsafe or structurally unsound rooftop in the city. He directed that all rooftops where residents intend to celebrate Basant must be equipped with sturdy safety walls at least 3.5 feet high by December 31, 2026. The Secretary Home directed the Deputy Commissioner Lahore to ensure the inspection of all rooftops across the city and prohibit Basant celebrations on any rooftop that fails to meet the required safety standards. He further instructed that repairs to rooftops, parapet walls and staircases at authorised locations must be completed before December 31, 2026. Sturdy safety walls at least 3.5 feet high must also be constructed on rooftops. Dr. Qazi clarified that building owners would be responsible for ensuring the structural stability and safety of rooftops used for kite flying during Basant. He added that where electricity wires were located near rooftops, building owners would be required to ensure that these were made safe before the festival. The Secretary Home said that the Home Department had issued the necessary safety guidelines ahead of Basant to protect human lives. He directed all relevant departments to ensure strict compliance with these instructions. He instructed the district administration, police and authorised officers of the relevant departments to inspect rooftops intended for kite flying. The Deputy Commissioner Lahore was also directed to monitor the manufacture, supply and sale of kites and kite strings to ensure compliance with the prescribed limits and standards. Secretary Home said that the Deputy Commissioner would be authorised to seal any building found in violation of the prescribed instructions and laws. Dr. Qazi further stated that the Lahore City Traffic Police would install free safety rods on more than two million motorcycles before Basant to enhance public safety. He urged citizens to give priority to human life over entertainment and to comply with all applicable laws and safety instructions. The Secretary Home made it clear that a complete ban on kite flying would remain in force before and after the designated Basant dates of March 12–14, 2027. Violations involving kite flying outside the permitted dates would be punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 2 million. Citizens were urged to report any unsafe, illegal or indecent activity to Emergency Helpline 15 to enable timely action.
#Home #Punjab #Basant2027 #Guidelines #SafeBasant #SecurityMeasures
— Home Department Punjab (@homedptpunjab) October 23, 2026
Lahore traffic police have been directed to install safety rods free of charge on more than two million motorcycles before Basant. Motorcyclists must comply with the prescribed safety measures under applicable regulations and Home Department guidelines.
Kite flying will remain prohibited in designated aircraft approach and take-off zones around Allama Iqbal International Airport. The restricted areas include Nadirabad, Gulshan Ali Colony, Nishat Colony, Bhatta Chowk and Blocks R, S, P and Q of Defence Housing Authority Lahore. Restrictions on the take-off path also cover Al-Faisal Town, Jorraypul, Canal Bank Road near Tajpura and Tajpura.
Read Also: The Joy and Peril of Kite Flying
The district administration, police, government departments and registered kite-flying associations have been instructed to coordinate enforcement throughout the festival.
The notification establishes a regulated three-day Basant celebration in Lahore, with rules covering the supply of kite-flying materials, rooftop conditions, motorcycle protection and safety around the airport.
