Punjab govt bans kites with images of political parties' flags, persons

The Punjab government has announced fresh restrictions on kite flying ahead of Basant, banning the making and use of kites carrying images of any political party’s flag or person for the next 30 days.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, Section 144 has been enforced to stop the sale, purchase and use of kites displaying pictures of any person, holy scriptures, religious sites, national flags or flags of political parties. The move, the department said, is aimed at preventing “any discrimination or disruption of public order”.

The notification noted that authorities fear miscreants could attempt to spoil the festival by using sensitive religious or political symbols on kites.

Clarifying what will be allowed, the department stated: “Only plain, uni-coloured or multi-coloured kites (i.e. gudda or patang) shall be allowed during kite flying in the district of Lahore from February 6 to 8.”

It further said that kite flying has been permitted strictly for “recreation and festivity”. However, it imposed a complete ban for 30 days — starting Monday — on the “manufacturing, trade, transport, storage, sale and purchase” of kites carrying images, flags or references to individuals, religious places or political parties.

Basant is set to return to Lahore after a gap of 18 years, with celebrations scheduled from February 6 to 8.