The Lahore High Court (LHC) reached a significant milestone today regarding the cultural revival of the Basant festival. Presiding over the case, Justice Malik Muhammad Awais Khalid reserved the court’s verdict after hearing a petition filed by citizen Ashba Kamran, who challenged the government’s decision to limit the 2026 celebrations exclusively to Lahore.
Court Demands Non-Discriminatory Policy for All Districts
The petitioner, Ashba Kamran, argued that the current government policy—which restricted the 2026 festival to Lahore from February 6 to 8—was discriminatory and a violation of equal constitutional rights. The court was informed that while public funds and administrative resources were utilized in the provincial capital, citizens in other districts were denied the right to celebrate.
In a landmark directive, Justice Khalid ordered the Chief Secretary of Punjab to formulate a comprehensive, non-discriminatory policy within 60 days. The court emphasized that any such policy must provide a legal framework for celebrations across the entire province, ensuring that all districts have clear guidelines for participation.
Basant Gen Z kay liye thee hee nahee pic.twitter.com/Iwofa35xMo
— The Pakistan Experience (@ThePakistanExp1) March 4, 2026
Home Department Outlines Strict Safety Protocols
In compliance with earlier court orders, the Punjab Home Department submitted a detailed report regarding the feasibility of province-wide celebrations. The report stated that while the Deputy Commissioner (DC) has the authority to allow Basant on designated days, this is strictly contingent upon prior government approval and rigorous safety compliance.
The Home Department’s safety requirements include:
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Mandatory Registration: All kite manufacturers and sellers must register via the e-Biz portal.
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Zero-Tolerance on Strings: A total ban remains on metallic, chemical-coated, and glass-coated threads.
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Motorcycle Safety: Installation of safety rods on motorcycles is mandatory to prevent string injuries.
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Zoning: Implementation of red, yellow, and green zones based on risk assessment data.
Economic Impact vs. Public Safety Concerns
The All Pakistan Kite Flying Association has reportedly claimed that the recent three-day celebration in Lahore generated business worth over Rs 20 billion, highlighting the festival’s economic potential. However, the court remains focused on the human cost; earlier reports indicated that despite the 2026 revival being the “safest in 25 years,” 17 fatalities were still recorded during the Lahore festivities.
“Public safety is the core responsibility of the government. Any policy formulated must ensure that the joy of a festival does not turn into a tragedy for the citizens.” — Justice Malik Muhammad Awais Khalid, Lahore High Court.
Chief Secretary’s 60-Day Review
The Chief Secretary of Punjab is now legally bound to hold a hearing with the petitioner and relevant stakeholders to draft the new policy. This document will serve as the final roadmap for whether Basant 2027 will be celebrated as a unified provincial event. The court will review the proposed framework in May 2026.
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