The Punjab government has made safety walls at least 3.5 feet high mandatory on rooftops intended for Basant celebrations, setting December 31, 2026, as the deadline for compliance.
The decision was reviewed at a meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi to assess preparations and safety arrangements for the festival scheduled for March 12–14, 2027.
The home secretary said protecting human lives was the government’s top priority, adding that kite-flying would not be permitted on unsafe or structurally weak rooftops.
He directed the Lahore deputy commissioner to inspect rooftops across the city and ban Basant celebrations at buildings declared unsafe. Owners of approved buildings must also complete necessary repairs to rooftops, parapet walls and staircases and construct strong safety walls before the deadline.
Building owners will be responsible for ensuring the stability and safety of rooftops used for kite-flying. They must also ensure that nearby electricity wires are made safe before the festival.
Dr Qazi said the Home Department had issued safety guidelines for Basant and instructed the district administration, police and other relevant departments to ensure their strict implementation.
The Lahore deputy commissioner will monitor the manufacturing, transportation and sale of kites and strings to ensure compliance with prescribed limits. Buildings violating the law or safety instructions may be sealed.
The home secretary further announced that Lahore City Traffic Police would install free safety rods on more than two million motorcycles before Basant to protect motorcyclists from kite strings. He urged citizens to prioritise human safety and comply with all legal requirements and precautionary measures.
A complete ban on kite-flying will remain in force before and after the three permitted days, March 12–14, 2027. According to the home secretary, violations outside the authorised period will carry a punishment of up to five years in prison and a fine of Rs2 million.
Citizens have also been urged to report unsafe, illegal or indecent activities to the emergency helpline 15 for prompt action.
