The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has imposed a ban on kite flying in public parks and greenbelts across Lahore during the three-day Basant festival, beginning February 6. The decision comes as the city administration moves to strengthen digital monitoring and on-ground enforcement to ensure compliance during the festive period.
PHA Managing Director Raja Mansoor Ahmad said the ban was introduced to protect trees, plants, and park infrastructure from damage often caused during kite-flying activities. He emphasized that while Basant remains a popular cultural event, safeguarding public spaces and green areas remains a top priority for the authority.
According to PHA officials, Lahore is expected to witness a significant influx of visitors during the festival. Tourists from across Punjab, other provinces, and overseas Pakistanis are likely to arrive, especially due to the public holiday on February 5 in observance of Youm-i-Kashmir, which may further increase footfall in parks.
Authorities anticipate that public parks and recreational spaces will begin seeing large crowds from the evening of February 4. In response, PHA has placed its enforcement teams on high alert to monitor activities and prevent violations of the newly imposed ban throughout the festival duration.
Raja Mansoor Ahmad clarified that all parks will remain open for public use during Basant. However, kite flying will be strictly prohibited within park boundaries and along greenbelts. He stressed that the ban applies uniformly and will be enforced without exception.
An official notification issued by PHA has directed all zonal directors to ensure strict implementation of the ban. The authority warned that any violation will be considered unacceptable, and responsibility for any damage or untoward incident will rest with the concerned zonal director.
