Punjab Imposes Section 144 for 30 Days Ahead of Basant 2026; “Safe Basant” Plan Approved.
The Punjab government has officially imposed Section 144 for 30 days across the province to maintain
Section 144 imposed in Punjab for 30 days to ensure a "Safe Basant" and prevent political or religious misuse.
The Punjab government has officially imposed Section 144 for 30 days across the province to maintain public order and prevent any political or religious provocation during the upcoming Basant festival. While the traditional festival is set to return to Lahore from February 6 to 8, 2026, for the first time in nearly two decades, authorities have made it clear that this is strictly a cultural and recreational event.
Key Restrictions & Safety Measures:
- Prohibited Imagery: Kites carrying images of religious scriptures, sites, personalities, or flags of any country or political party are strictly banned.
- Permissible Materials: Only plain single-color or multi-color kites using cotton string (nine-thread) are allowed. Metallic, nylon, or glass-coated strings are strictly prohibited.
- Zoning: Lahore has been divided into Red, Yellow, and Green zones to monitor safety more effectively.
- Motorcycle Safety: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a “Safe Basant” plan, which includes the free installation of safety antennas (rods) on one million motorbikes in Lahore to prevent accidents caused by stray strings. Entry into Red Zones will be barred for motorcycles without these protective wires.
Violators of these rules could face imprisonment of up to five years and heavy fines of up to Rs 5 million.
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