Punjab Assembly Committee Approves New Kite-Flying Rules and Fines

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs has approved the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill 2025, which proposes a near-total ban on kite flying across the province, allowing it only on specified days and at designated locations under strict conditions.

The approval comes after the Punjab government lifted the long-standing ban on the Basant festival, which had remained in place for 18 years following fatal incidents caused by sharp kite strings. The festival is scheduled to be held in February next year.

Under the proposed bill, flying kites using metallic wire, nylon cord, or strings coated with glass or other sharp substances will remain strictly prohibited. The law also bans the manufacturing, transportation, storage, and sale of hazardous kite strings and related materials.

Individuals caught flying kites in violation of the law may face imprisonment ranging from three to five years or a fine of up to Rs. 2 million. Those involved in the manufacturing or sale of banned kite-flying materials could receive prison sentences of five to seven years along with fines of up to Rs. 5 million. All offenses under the bill will be cognizable and non-bailable.

Read more:

The bill authorizes deputy commissioners to permit kite flying on approved days and locations, subject to government approval. However, the use of sharp or metallic strings will remain banned under all circumstances.

Special provisions address minors involved in kite flying. Children will face penalties under the Juvenile Justice System Act, including fines of Rs. 50,000 for a first offense and Rs. 100,000 for repeat violations, with parents or guardians held financially responsible in case of default.

The proposed law also mandates registration of kite manufacturers, traders, sellers of permissible materials, and kite-flying associations. Police officers of at least sub-inspector rank will have the authority to arrest offenders without warrants, conduct searches, and seize illegal materials.

To support enforcement, the bill introduces a whistleblower reward of up to Rs. 5,000 for credible information on violations. If enacted, the legislation will repeal previous kite-flying ordinances and establish a uniform regulatory framework across Punjab.