Revival of Basant’s Festivities Credited to CM Maryam: Azma Bokhari— Says Basant now a safe, fully regulated cultural festival

By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that the joy of Basant is returning to Punjab after 25 years, crediting Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for reviving the festival in a completely safe and regulated manner.

Addressing the media, Bokhari emphasized that Basant is no longer a dangerous activity but a secure cultural celebration, adding that strict monitoring and enforcement mechanisms have been put in place to ensure public safety. “No one will be allowed to violate the law,” she asserted.

The minister said that the business of deadly, metallic and chemically coated kite strings has been permanently eliminated from the province. She noted that children under 18 will not be allowed to fly kites, while the use or sale of metal or chemically coated string will carry a punishment of 3 to 5 years imprisonment along with fines of up to Rs 2 million.

She added that violations of the Kite Flying Act by minors will result in a fine of Rs 50,000 for the first offence and Rs 100,000 for the second. Moreover, registration has been made mandatory for manufacturers and sellers of kite string, with QR-coded identification required on every roll to ensure traceability.

Bokhari said safety measures for motorcyclists have also been tightened. She clarified that the aim of Punjab’s strengthened traffic laws is not to impose penalties but to protect the lives of citizens. Traffic violations will still result in fines, while repeated offences may lead to vehicle auction, she added.

The minister said CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif has strictly banned the handcuffing of minors, ensuring that children involved in offences will be fined but not arrested. She further disclosed that legislation is being drafted to provide legal cover for underage motorcyclists.

Azma Bokhari urged the public to exercise caution, follow the law, and play their part in protecting their own lives as well as the lives of others.