Amraiz Khan
The Punjab government has reimposed its ban on basant celebrations across the province and initiated action against businesses involved in the purchase and sale of kites.
The decision was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. He instructed the police to ensure action against anyone violating the ban and government orders. “Strict action should be taken against those manufacturing kites and kite strings,” Buzdar said.
Reports have been circulating that preparations for the festival are underway in multiple cities across Punjab such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi and Sahiwal.
Since 2007, the province has banned the celebration of basant and kite flying but every year review requests are sent to the government for the removal of the ban.
Hundreds of people die every year from kite string-related injuries on basant, which prompted the ban.
Punjab decides against Basant celebrations; orders effectuation of kite ban
Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on celebrating Basant festival besides ordering authorities to strictly implement the regulations of the prohibition of kite flying act, ARY News reported on Wednesday.
An important decision has been made by the Punjab government after a meeting between Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and provincial law minister Raja Basharat.
It has been decided to impose a complete ban on the celebration of Basant festival across Punjab besides restricting the people from kite flying.
According to sources, the government decided not to allow anyone for kite-flying. The relevant authorities have received reports regarding the preparations of Basant festival in Faisalabad and some other cities in the second week of February.
It has been learnt that CM Usman Buzdar has rejected all recommendations and suggestions to permit Basant celebrations. The chief minister ordered strict action against kite flyers, sellers and twine manufacturers. He directed the strict implementation of the regulations under the Prohibition of Kite Flying Act and actions against the violators.
