Strict restrictions on Basant in Lahore, making and selling kites with religious and political images a crime

Lahore: The Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on the use of certain types of kites and strings, implementing strict administrative measures to maintain peace and order and religious harmony on the occasion of Basant. The notification issued by the Home Department has clarified that the manufacture, purchase, sale and use of such kites will be prohibited which have pictures or symbols of holy books, religious places, religious figures or any political party and the flag of the country.
According to the authorities, there was a fear that the use of religious or political symbols by the inciting elements during Basant, which could hurt public sentiments and affect the public order situation, hence a complete ban on kites with religious and political motifs has been imposed for 30 days. The notification states that only plain, single-colored or multi-colored kites without any image or symbol can be used.
Keeping in mind the safety of the lives and property of the citizens, the administration has also declared the use of metal wire, nylon and glass-coated strings completely illegal as several accidents and loss of precious lives have been reported due to such strings in the past. Authorities say that the manufacture, transportation, storage and sale of dangerous strings and illegal kites will be considered a punishable offense.
Severe penalties have been prescribed for those who violate the law. Flying kites before the scheduled date can attract a five-year jail term and a fine of up to Rs 2 million, while those involved in manufacturing or selling prohibited materials can face a seven-year jail term and a fine of up to Rs 5 million. The police and district administration have been directed to take immediate action against violators.
The authorities have appealed to the citizens to abide by the rules so that the festival can be celebrated in a pleasant and safe environment and any untoward incident can be avoided.