Kite Flying ban lifted in Punjab with age limit, penalties, QR-code system

The Punjab government has issued an ordinance granting conditional permission for kite flying nearly 25 years after the activity was banned in the province. The ordinance was approved with the signature of Governor Salim Haider and sets out detailed regulations for celebrating Basant.

According to the ordinance, kite flying had been prohibited in Punjab since 2001, but the government has now restored it with strict safety measures. Individuals under the age of 18 will not be allowed to participate, and any violation will result in penalties for the child’s parent or guardian.

Only thread-made string will be permitted for kite flying, while metallic or chemically coated sharp string (manjha) has been strictly banned. Violations involving hazardous string can lead to imprisonment ranging from three to five years along with a fine of up to Rs2 million. Additionally, motorcyclists will be required to follow designated safety precautions during the Basant period.

Authorities have been empowered to search suspected properties, and offences under the ordinance will be non-bailable. For minors, the first violation will carry a fine of Rs50,000 and the second Rs100,000, with non-payment resulting in action against the parent or guardian.

The ordinance mandates district-level registration of kite-flying associations with the relevant deputy commissioner. Kites will only be sold by registered vendors, who will be assigned QR codes for identification. Each kite will also feature a QR code to track its seller. Manufacturers of kite string will likewise be registered and linked to a QR-based identification system.

The provincial government has also stated that the revival of Basant is part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s initiative to restore Punjab’s traditional cultural festivals after nearly three decades.