By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – The Lahore High Court has received a petition challenging the deputy commissioner’s notification granting permission for Basant celebrations on February 6, 7, and 8, 2026. Advocate Azhar Siddique filed the petition, citing past deaths and injuries from kite flying as evidence that public safety remains at risk.
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The petitioner highlighted recent incidents in Lahore where a girl and a young man were seriously injured due to kite flying, arguing that these events show the festival continues to pose dangers. The petition requests the court to suspend the DC’s notification until a final decision is made and seeks a directive to withdraw permission, emphasizing that human lives should take precedence over cultural festivities.
The district administration, however, had granted conditional permission for Basant, allowing kite flying only within Lahore district on the specified dates and under strict safety regulations. Authorities activated the “E-Biz” app and an online portal for mandatory digital registration of kite and string manufacturers. The sale of kite-flying equipment is allowed from February 1 to February 8, 2026, while businesses can start preparations from December 30.
Strict rules have been imposed, including a ban on spinning wheels, nylon, plastic, metal, or chemically coated strings. Police and district officers have been instructed to enforce these rules rigorously. Motorcyclists are required to install safety wires during the festival, and kite sizes and strings must follow prescribed limits to prevent accidents.
