LAHORE: Residents across Lahore thronged rooftops on Saturday to make the most of the third and final day of Basant, as favourable weather conditions kept the city’s skies filled with colourful kites.
The traditional kite-flying festival returned to the provincial capital on February 6 after the Punjab government lifted a ban that had been in place for more than two decades. The ban was originally imposed following fatalities and injuries caused by sharp kite strings and celebratory gunfire.
People of all ages participated in the festivities, which included kite flying, music, and other traditional celebrations. However, authorities enforced a series of restrictions aimed at ensuring public safety and maintaining order.
According to a government spokesperson, kites bearing images or symbols of holy books, religious sites, personalities, political parties, or national flags were prohibited. The use of metallic wire and nylon string was also banned, while the installation of safety rods on motorcycles was made mandatory during the celebrations.
Security was tightened across the city, with vehicles entering Lahore subjected to strict checks. Only legally permitted kite-flying material was allowed, while prohibited items were confiscated.
More than 10,000 police officers and personnel were deployed citywide.
Checkpoints were established across different zones, including 104 in the Red Zone, 92 in the Yellow Zone, and 72 in the Green Zone. Police were also stationed on rooftops, overhead bridges, underpasses, and at key entry and exit points.
Despite the precautions, kite-flying-related incidents were reported. On Friday, at least one person was killed and five others injured in separate incidents. The deceased was identified as 25-year-old Ali Rasheed, who was electrocuted while attempting to retrieve a stray kite near the Sikh Canal in Baghbanpura after climbing an electric pole and coming into contact with live wires.
In the wake of a deadly suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad that killed more than two dozen people, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the cancellation of all Basant-related activities scheduled for Sunday.
Commending the residents of Lahore, the chief minister praised the public for adhering to safety standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“I am happy that the people of Lahore upheld the trust we placed in them,” she said in a statement, adding that the concept of a “safe Basant” had been successfully implemented. She noted that no reports were received regarding the use of prohibited kite strings beyond the prescribed size.
Maryam Nawaz said the safe Basant model would be extended to other cities in the province in the future. She also urged the public to remain cautious, noting that 200 clinics on wheels and 21 field hospitals had been set up across the city during the festivities.
Meanwhile, the celebrations also drew participation from diplomats and public figures. US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker attended Basant events at Delhi Gate, where she was welcomed by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. The envoy thanked the provincial government for lifting the ban on the festival.
Several celebrities were also seen participating in the celebrations, including Yasir Hussain, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Mohib Mirza, Juggan Kazim, Faryal Khan, Gohar, and others.
