Is Lahore's beloved festival of Basant making a comeback to the city? Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar certainly thinks so. 

 

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, considered one of the closest aides to party head Nawaz Sharif, told journalists on Sunday in London that the Punjab government is preparing to celebrate a 'safe Basant'. 

 

Reports had been circulating on media outlets during the previous week that Punjab government was planning to celebrate Basant in February 2026. 

 

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has constituted a high-level committee has been formed to chalk out a strategy for the event, with officials from the Walled City Authority, the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Lahore, the CCPO of Lahore, representatives from various departments and members of the Kite Flying Association.

 

Media sources were quoted as saying that among the suggestions being studied by the committee are plans to limit the festival to the Walled City (androon sheher) or ban motorcycles for two days. 

 

More pertinently are the suggestions pertaining to the sale and purchase of kites and string. String makers will need to be registered with the government while only vendors registered with the District Administration will be allowed to sell kites and string. 

 

Use of glass-coated or metallic string will be strictly prohibited under guidelines issued by District Administration. Only strings complying with government issued SOPs will be sold to the public.