After nearly two decades, the Punjab government has taken a carefully measured step by granting conditional permission for the revival of Basant, the beloved spring kite-flying festival.

The ordinance, signed by Governor Salim Haider, reopens the door to this cherished tradition while placing public safety at its core.

Kite-flying, which had remained banned since 2001 due to deadly accidents, will now be allowed under strict regulations.

To protect young lives, children under 18 are prohibited from participating, and parents or guardians will be held legally responsible for any violations.

Only traditional cotton thread will be permitted, while the use of metal or glass-coated string a major cause of past tragedies has been strictly banned, with harsh penalties including imprisonment and heavy fines.

To ensure effective monitoring, kite-flying associations, sellers, and string manufacturers must be officially registered, with QR-code tracking introduced for kites and materials.

Authorities have also been empowered to conduct searches where violations are suspected, and special safety measures will apply to traffic in kite-flying areas.

This cautious return of Basant reflects an effort to balance cultural joy with the protection of human life, allowing communities to celebrate while ensuring that safety and responsibility remain the highest priorities.