LAHORE: Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on celebrating Basantfestival besides ordering authorities to strictly implement the regulationsof the prohibition of kite flying act.

An important decision has been made by the Punjab government after ameeting between Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and provincial law minister RajaBasharat link.

It has been decided to impose a complete ban on the celebration of Basantfestival across Punjab besides restricting the people from kite flying.

Sources told ARY News that the government decided not to allow anyone forkite-flying. The relevant authorities have received reports regarding thepreparations of Basant festival in Faisalabad and some other cities in thesecond week of February, sources added.

[image: kite ban]

It was learnt that CM Usman Buzdar has rejected all recommendations andsuggestions to permit the Basant celebrations, sources said.

d strict action against kite flyers, sellers and twine manufacturers. Hedirected the strict implementation of the regulations under the Prohibitionof Kite Flying Act and actions against the violators.

For several years, kite flying has been banned in Punjab province and apunishable act with the penalties including imprisonment and fines or bothin accordance with the promulgated laws.

In 2007, the Supreme Court had imposed a ban on Basant celebrations afterthe deaths of scores of people due to kite’s glass-coated strings.