The Lahore High Court has declined to suspend the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, the law that allows the revival of the Basant festival, while directing the provincial government and relevant authorities to submit detailed responses.
Justice Malik Awais Khalid heard the petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel (JAP). Advocate Azhar Siddique, representing the petitioner, argued that the ordinance was introduced hastily and should be halted until a full review is completed.
The assistant advocate general opposed the petition, noting that the petitioner had bypassed administrative forums before approaching the court.
During the hearing, Justice Khalid acknowledged that kite flying is an ancient cultural tradition practiced globally for more than 2,500 years, originating from China. However, he emphasized that public safety must remain the top priority. Advocate Siddique argued that countries like China and Japan do not use metallic or hazardous strings that endanger lives.
He also questioned why the government issued the ordinance while the provincial assembly was in session, urging the court to suspend the law as an interim measure. Justice Khalid asked the government to explain what measures are being put in place to prevent injuries and fatalities linked to dangerous kite strings. The state’s law officer sought additional time to file a comprehensive reply.
The court refused to grant interim relief and adjourned the proceedings until December 22.
The petition highlights past incidents in Punjab where kite-flying–related accidents caused multiple deaths and recalls that the Supreme Court previously imposed restrictions on the activity. It warns that reviving Basant may again jeopardize public safety despite constitutional protections guaranteeing citizens’ security.
The petitioner has requested the court to strike down the ordinance, arguing that its promulgation under Article 128 of the Constitution was unjustified and did not stem from any genuine emergency, amounting to misuse of the governor’s authority.
