Lahore — The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs has approved the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill 2025, proposing a near-total ban on kite flying across the province, with limited permission only on government-approved days and at designated locations under strict regulatory conditions.
The approval follows the Punjab government’s decision to lift the 18-year ban on the Basant festival, which was imposed after multiple fatal incidents caused by sharp kite strings. Basant is scheduled to be celebrated again in February next year, under a tightly regulated framework.
Under the proposed law, the use of metallic wire, nylon cord, glass-coated strings, or any sharp substances for kite flying will remain strictly prohibited. The bill also bans the manufacturing, transportation, storage, and sale of hazardous kite-flying materials.
Penalties and Legal Provisions
Individuals found flying kites in violation of the law may face imprisonment ranging from three to five years or fines of up to Rs. 2 million, or both. Those involved in the manufacturing, sale, or distribution of banned materials could receive prison sentences of five to seven years, along with fines of up to Rs. 5 million.
All offenses under the bill are classified as cognizable and non-bailable, granting law enforcement broader authority to act against violations.
Regulated Kite Flying and Enforcement
The bill authorizes deputy commissioners to permit kite flying on approved days and at specific locations, subject to provincial government approval. However, the use of sharp or metallic strings will remain banned under all circumstances, regardless of permissions.
Police officers of at least sub-inspector rank will be empowered to arrest offenders without warrants, conduct searches, and seize illegal kite-flying materials.
Special Provisions for Minors
Special provisions have been included for minors involved in kite flying. Children will be dealt with under the Juvenile Justice System Act, with fines of Rs. 50,000 for a first offense and Rs. 100,000 for repeat violations. Parents or guardians will be held financially responsible in cases of default.
Registration and Whistleblower Incentives
The proposed law also mandates the registration of kite manufacturers, traders, sellers of permissible materials, and kite-flying associations to ensure regulatory oversight.
To strengthen enforcement, the bill introduces a whistleblower reward of up to Rs. 5,000 for credible information leading to action against violations.
If enacted, the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill 2025 will repeal previous kite-flying ordinances and establish a uniform legal framework governing kite flying across Punjab.
