Basant 2027: Punjab Police arrest over 11,000 in kite-flying crackdown

Punjab Police are continuing operations against illegal kite flying and the sale of prohibited kite-flying materials across the province.

According to a police spokesperson, 11,397 people have been arrested and 10,849 cases registered during the current year for violations of the Anti-Kite Flying Act.

Police also reported recovering 599,340 kites during the operations.

The figures highlight the scale of enforcement as authorities seek to control illegal kite flying and prevent injuries caused by dangerous strings. The police have said action will continue against people involved in activities that violate the law.

Lahore accounts for thousands of arrests

Lahore has also seen extensive action against people accused of violating the kite-flying law.

Police said 5,740 people had been arrested in the provincial capital, where 5,466 cases were registered.

More than 217,000 kites and 7,875 string reels, known locally as charkhis, were recovered during operations in Lahore, according to the supplied police figures.

Authorities have been checking the sale, storage and movement of kite-flying materials as part of efforts to enforce the law. The figures show that Lahore accounts for a substantial share of the arrests and recoveries reported across Punjab.

Police chief orders action against illegal kite flying

The Inspector General of Police Punjab has directed officers to enforce the Anti-Kite Flying Act strictly. Police have been told that violations will not be tolerated anywhere in the province.

The instructions also call for action against people involved in the sale of prohibited metallic string and the online trade of illegal kites and related materials.

Online sales can make it harder for authorities to identify sellers and track the movement of prohibited products. The police have therefore stressed that enforcement should also cover those who use digital platforms to conduct illegal business.

The crackdown is intended to discourage violations and reduce the risk of serious injuries linked to unsafe kite-flying materials.

Basant 2027 preparations bring safety concerns into focus

The crackdown comes as Punjab prepares for Basant celebrations in 2027. The supplied report says Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a 10-day festival from January 29 to February 7, 2027, to mark the arrival of the new year.

The dates and the geographical scope of the celebrations should be confirmed through the latest official notification before publication, as festival arrangements and permitted locations may be subject to government rules.

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Basant is traditionally associated with kite flying and colourful celebrations. However, safety concerns have led authorities to impose restrictions on kite-flying materials and related activities. The government’s challenge is to manage the celebrations while protecting residents from preventable accidents.

Authorities urge residents to follow safety rules

Officials in Lahore have urged residents to complete the required safety measures before Basant 2027.

These measures are intended to reduce the risk of injuries during kite flying and ensure that celebrations take place under the applicable rules. Residents should check official instructions before buying or using kites and string. They should also avoid prohibited materials and follow any restrictions announced for their area.

The police have warned that festival preparations do not permit people to break the law. Anyone involved in illegal kite flying or the sale of banned materials may face action under the relevant legislation.

Lahore bans transport of kite-flying materials through courier services

The Lahore district administration has also imposed a complete ban on transporting kite-flying materials through courier companies and transport services in the city, according to the supplied report.

The restriction is intended to prevent prohibited materials from being moved through delivery networks. Courier companies, transport operators and businesses handling such goods should follow the applicable orders and check the official instructions for details of the ban.

The restriction adds another layer to the enforcement campaign, which includes arrests, case registration and the recovery of kites and string reels. The exact scope and duration of the transport ban should be confirmed with the district administration before publication.

Why the crackdown matters

Dangerous kite string can cause serious injuries, particularly to motorcyclists and pedestrians. Prohibited materials can also create risks for people who take part in kite flying or come into contact with the string on roads and rooftops.

Police enforcement is one part of reducing these dangers. Public awareness, responsible behaviour and compliance with safety rules are also important. Authorities will need to ensure that the law is applied consistently and that residents receive clear information about what is permitted during the festival.