Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi chaired a high-level meeting to review security and safety arrangements for the safe conduct of Basant 2027 in Lahore. The meeting focused on preparations for the festival, which is scheduled to take place on March 12, 13 and 14, 2027.
Officials reviewed arrangements and issued instructions to departments involved in managing the event. Authorities reiterated that kite flying will remain strictly banned across Punjab before and after the approved dates. Violators will face legal action under the applicable laws.
Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said the Home Department has issued comprehensive safety guidelines to protect human lives during Basant. He directed all relevant departments to complete necessary preparations before the festival and stressed that kite flying will not be permitted on unsafe or structurally weak rooftops.
According to the instructions, rooftop walls and grills must be at least three and a half feet high and structurally sound. Building owners will be responsible for ensuring that rooftops being used for kite flying are safe and suitable.
The Home Secretary also directed authorities to repair rooftops, parapets and stairways at authorised locations before the festival. The deputy commissioner has been instructed to thoroughly inspect old buildings and houses. If a rooftop is declared unsafe, kite flying will remain prohibited at that location even during the approved Basant dates.
Authorities will also have to ensure that nearby electricity wires are properly covered and that rooftops are made safe before kite flying is allowed. City Traffic Police Lahore will install safety rods on more than two million motorcycles free of cost, while LESCO will protect relevant electrical installations with safety netting.
The deputy commissioner will issue permits during September for the manufacturing, transportation and sale of kites and kite string within prescribed limits. Only approved activities will be allowed under the Basant arrangements.
During the festival, the Parks and Horticulture Authority will remove and dispose of kites caught in trees. LESCO will be responsible for removing kites stuck on electricity poles and wires to reduce risks to the public and electrical infrastructure.
Dr Qazi also directed that safety certificates for building lifts will be mandatory during Basant. The storage of inflammable materials on rooftops will be prohibited, while first-aid equipment must be available at all authorised locations.
Parents, guardians and event organisers have also been asked to take responsibility for the safety of children. District administration, police and other relevant officials will inspect rooftops being used for kite flying. The deputy commissioner will have the authority to seal buildings where safety rules are violated.
The Home Secretary warned that building owners and event organisers could be held responsible for accidents, injuries, loss of life or legal violations occurring during Basant. He urged citizens to put human safety ahead of recreation and follow all government instructions.
Dr Qazi made it clear that the complete ban on kite flying will remain in place outside March 12, 13 and 14, 2027. Kite flying outside the approved dates can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of Rs2 million.
Meanwhile, manufacturing, transporting or selling kites and kite string without the required permission can carry a punishment of up to seven years in prison and a fine of Rs5 million.
Authorities also warned against harassment, causing inconvenience to residents and indecent behaviour during the festival. Citizens have been urged to report unsafe, illegal or inappropriate activities through Emergency Helpline 15.
The Punjab government is now preparing for Basant under a strict safety framework, with rooftop inspections, permits, electrical protection and law enforcement forming key parts of the arrangements.
