For decades, kite flying in Pakistan — especially the beloved Basant festival in Lahore — has been caught between tradition and legislation. After years of blanket bans, arrests, and public outcry, Punjab finally introduced a new legal framework at the end of 2025. The Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act, 2025 replaces the old prohibition-era laws with a conditional, regulated approach — and 2026 is the first full year it is in effect.
Whether you're a casual flyer, a shop owner, or a Basant enthusiast, this guide breaks down exactly what the law says and how to stay on the right side of it in 2026.
A Brief History: From Ban to Regulation
Kite flying in Punjab has been heavily restricted since the early 2000s:
- 2001: Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying Ordinance introduced — first major ban.
- 2005: Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered regulation following rising injuries and deaths from sharp manja strings.
- 2007: Basant officially banned across Punjab.
- 2024: Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying (Amendment) Act 2024 passed — increased fines, made violations non-bailable.
- December 2025: Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act, 2025 passed — replacing blanket prohibition with a conditional permission framework, effective from 1 December 2025.
What the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2025 Says in 2026
The new law fundamentally shifts the approach from outright prohibition to regulated permission. Here are the key points every flyer must know in 2026:
✅ What Is Now Allowed
- Kite flying on specific days and at designated locations — subject to formal permission from the Deputy Commissioner (DC).
- Flying kites made with non-hazardous materials only.
- Registered manufacturers, traders, and sellers may legally produce and sell approved kites and permitted strings.
- Kite flying associations can register with their district DC.
❌ What Is Permanently Banned
- Metallic wire (taar) — banned under all circumstances.
- Nylon cord (tandi) — permanently prohibited.
- Glass-coated string (manja) — completely banned.
- Chemically coated strings of any kind — banned.
- Manufacturing, transporting, storing, or selling any of the above.
- Flying kites in non-designated areas or without DC permission.
Legal Kite Size Specifications for 2026
The rules define exact size limits for legal kites in Pakistan:
| Kite Type | Max Width | Max Length |
|---|---|---|
| Patang | 35 inches | 30 inches |
| Gudda | 40 inches | 34 inches |
String (dor) must be plain cotton with no more than 9 threads and no less than 28 counts. It must be wound in a ball shape — spools are prohibited.
Penalties in 2026 — Don't Risk It
| Offence | Imprisonment | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Illegal kite flying | 3–5 years | Up to Rs. 2 million |
| Manufacturing/selling banned strings | 5–7 years | Up to Rs. 5 million |
| Unregistered kite production/sale | Up to 5 years | Up to Rs. 500,000 |
| Minor (1st offence) | Warning | Rs. 50,000 |
| Minor (repeat offence) | Under Juvenile Justice System Act 2018 | Rs. 100,000 |
Important: All offences are non-bailable and cognizable. Police officers of sub-inspector rank or above can arrest without a warrant. Parents or guardians are financially responsible for fines unpaid by minors.
Registration Requirements for Sellers & Manufacturers in 2026
If you sell or manufacture kites in Punjab, the law requires you to:
- Apply online to your District Commissioner (DC) with required documents.
- Pay an annual registration fee of Rs. 1,000 (manufacturers, traders, sellers).
- Receive a one-year registration certificate (renewed annually).
- Kite flying associations pay Rs. 5,000 for registration.
The DC must verify and decide on applications within 10 working days.
Basant 2026: What's Happening in Lahore
The Punjab government announced a three-day Basant festival from 6–8 February 2026 in Lahore — the first officially permitted Basant in nearly two decades. Authorities were finalising designated flying locations and official notifications closer to the date.
We are monitoring all official updates closely. Follow KiteShop.pk for the latest Basant 2026 news and legal advisories.
How to Fly Legally & Safely in 2026
- ✅ Use plain cotton dor only — no metallic, nylon, or glass-coated strings.
- ✅ Fly only on officially permitted days at designated locations.
- ✅ Ensure your kite is within the legal size limits (patang max 35×30", gudda max 40×34").
- ✅ Register with your DC if you manufacture or sell kites.
- ❌ Never fly near power lines, roads, or airports.
- ❌ Never use spools — string must be wound in a ball.
Shop Legal, Safe Kite Supplies at KiteShop.pk
At KiteShop.pk, we stock kites and accessories that meet the legal requirements under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2025 — regulation-sized patang and gudda kites, and plain cotton dor wound in ball form, delivered across Pakistan.