LAHORE — In a move to eliminate the “bloody game” of illegal kite flying, the Punjab government has enacted the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance-2025. The new Basant 2026 law significantly raises the stakes for minors and their families, shifting the financial burden of criminal fines directly onto parents and guardians.
The Kite Flying Ordinance-2025
- First-Time Offence (Child): Rs 50,000 fine.
- Repeat Offence (Child): Rs 100,000 fine.
- Adult Penalties: 3–5 years in prison and fines up to Rs 2 million.
- Manufacturer Penalties: 5–7 years in prison and fines up to Rs 5 million.
- Whistle-blower Reward: Up to Rs 5,000 for credible information.
- Legal Status: All offences are non-bailable and cognizable.
The Juvenile Shift: Trial under JSBA-2018
Under the new ordinance, any child (under 18) found flying or abetting kite flying will not be exempt from legal proceedings. Instead, they will be tried under the Juvenile Justice System Act-2018.
The most critical provision of the ordinance specifies that if a child is unable to pay the steep fines, the amount will be recovered from the parents or guardians. Legally, this debt will be treated as “arrears of land revenue,” meaning the state can employ aggressive tax-collection methods to ensure payment.
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“Whistle-blower” Cash Prizes
To encourage public participation in enforcement, the government has introduced a formal reward system.
- The Process: A citizen who discloses information about illegal kite manufacturing or flying in the public interest can receive a reward of up to Rs 5,000.
- Authority: The reward is sanctioned by the Commissioner on the recommendation of the Deputy Commissioner (DC).
- Condition: Information must be “valuable” and not already known to the authorities.
We are reviving the Horse and Cattle Show and celebrating all festivals Basant, Ramadan, Eid, Christmas, and Holi because Punjab belongs to everyone. Basant, an 800-year-old symbol of spring and renewal, is a proud part of our heritage. For the first time, the Punjab government… pic.twitter.com/MzHthX6EL0
— Bilal Rizwan (@BilalRixwan1) January 23, 2026
Basant 2026: Regulated vs. Prohibited
While the ordinance generally prohibits kite flying, it empowers the government to allow it on specific days and in specific places under a strict regulatory framework. For the upcoming Basant 2026 (tentatively Feb 6-8), the following rules apply:
- Safety First: Motorcyclists are encouraged to use safety wires.
- String Specs: Only cotton string (Dor) made of no more than 9 threads is permitted. Metallic wires, nylon cords, and glass-coated manjha remain strictly banned.
- Registration: Manufacturers and kite associations must register with the DC; operating without registration can lead to 5 years of imprisonment.
Next Steps for Citizens
- Verification: Parents are advised to strictly monitor children’s activities ahead of February.
- Reporting: Citizens can report violations via the Police Helpline 15.
- Compliance: Manufacturers must complete their registration with the DC office by the end of this month to avoid sealings.
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