By Zavia Pakistan News Desk
Published: February 6, 2026
Lahore — Zavia Pakistan
As the Basant festival returned to Lahore on Friday after an 18-year hiatus, at least six kite-related injuries have already been reported across the city, authorities said.
The Punjab government lifted the ban on kite flying in December 2025, allowing celebrations under strict safety regulations. Kite flying was previously banned in 2007 due to a rising number of serious injuries and fatalities, particularly among motorcyclists and pillion riders, often caused by sharp kite strings and celebratory gunfire.
Reported Incidents
- In Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA), a 21-year-old man sustained deep neck injuries after a kite string became entangled while he was riding a bike. Rescue 1122 officials provided first aid and transported him to a hospital, where he underwent surgery and is now reported to be in stable condition. Police noted the young man had been riding without a safety rod, a protective measure mandated by authorities.
- A 45-year-old man suffered multiple injuries to his face and neck after coming in contact with a kite string while riding his bike. He was rushed to the hospital by Rescue 1122 personnel. Police have stated that investigations will determine whether he had adhered to safety regulations.
- An eight-year-old girl was injured in Lahore’s Gulshan-e-Ravi area when a stray kite string struck her throat.
- In other incidents, two young individuals were injured by kite strings, and a man fell from a rooftop in the Ravi Road area, sustaining multiple injuries.
Authorities have announced that investigations are underway to ensure the quality of kite strings used during the festival and to enforce compliance with safety rules.
Safety Regulations and Festival Guidelines
The festival is scheduled to continue until February 8. Under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, only thread-based kite strings are permitted. The use of metallic, chemical-coated, or sharp strings remains strictly prohibited to prevent accidents.
Motorcyclists and pillion riders are required to install protective steel wires on their vehicles to shield themselves from stray kite strings, and violations of these safety measures will be treated as breaches of standard operating procedures (SoPs).
Cultural Significance
Basant Panchami, which falls on the fifth day of the lunar month Magh, celebrates spring, good fortune, and prosperity of future crops, marking the symbolic start of the kite-flying season in Punjab.
Despite safety precautions, officials continue to urge participants and bystanders to exercise extreme caution while enjoying the festival.
Zavia Pakistan will continue to report updates on Basant festivities, public safety, and related incidents across Lahore and Punjab.
