After 20 years of prohibition, the capital of Punjab, Lahore, will host Basant 2026. However, there is good news for Lahoris: kite flying has been outlawed in more than a dozen locations to safeguard flights.
To ensure seamless air travel, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights are currently under strict protection as officials issue urgent guidelines banning kite flying in around 15 regions near Lahore Airport.
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Kite flying would not be permitted this year, residents of DHA, Nishat, Ali View Garden, Ali Pak, Nadraabad, Taj Bagh, and Canal Bank localities have been informed. The Punjab government further emphasised that the audacious measure is a component of coordinated discussions between district and provincial authorities, with the goal of guaranteeing the safe passage of aircraft.
Kite flying would not be permitted this year, residents of DHA, Nishat, Ali View Garden, Ali Pak, Nadraabad, Taj Bagh, and Canal Bank localities have been informed. Punjab government further highlighted that the daring gesture is part of coordinated conversations between provincial and local authorities, aimed at ensuring the safe passage of planes.
Authorities affirmed that anyone who violates the prohibition on kite flying will face consequences under Section 144. The Punjab government will shortly release an official notification, implementing limitations in crucial locations, including:
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Joodeh Pul, Al-Faisal Town, Canal Bank, Nadraabad, Taj Bagh, Bhata Chowk, Nishat, Ali View Garden, and Ali Pak
In order to avoid any hazards to air traffic during Basant, officials emphasised that this is a significant decision rather than only a temporary solution.
In the meantime, the sports world is also tense: if India and Pakistan play in the Cricket World Cup Super 12, semifinal, or final, there are concerns about possible match boycotts, which might lead to arguments and hostilities among supporters nationwide.