LAHORE:
A lawyer’s unusual request on Monday to celebrate the Basant festival on the roof of the Lahore Sessions Court was formally rejected by the court.
Sessions judge Tariq Khurshid Khawaja issued the written order after lawyer Yaseen Butt sought permission to hold the event on the court roof. The court noted that its premises constituted a very sensitive security zone.
The order emphasized that allowing such celebrations on court premises could pose serious security risks.
He further pointed out that the roof of the Lahore court was not designed or suitable to host such events. Considering the safety of judges, court staff, lawyers and the public, the court concluded that permission could not be granted.
The Lahore district administration has approved the celebration of Basant from February 6 to 8 this year, allowing kite flying under a comprehensive set of safety rules. Authorities have divided Lahore into red, yellow and green zones to manage risks associated with kite flying during the upcoming festival.
Read: Punjab CM warns of strict punishment for illegal kite flying during Basant
Strict procedural standards have been approved ahead of the upcoming festival. Only registered kites and cotton strings will be permitted, while glass-covered, chemical and metallic strings will remain prohibited. Every kite and ball of string will be registered with a QR (quick response) code to ensure traceability. Authorities will monitor kite flying 24 hours a day using drones, social media monitoring and dedicated control rooms.
Strict action will be taken against illegal activities on rooftops during Basant, such as firing guns and drinking. Wearing helmets and safety cables would be compulsory for motorcyclists, while entry into red zones without antennas would be prohibited.
Motorcycles would only be allowed in red zones if equipped with safety bars, and riding without one would attract a fine of Rs 2,000. “One million motorcycles in Lahore will be fitted with crash bars free of charge,” Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said earlier.
Restrictions outlined regarding kite flying include:
- Only nine-thread cotton “pinna” ropes will be permitted; spools, nylon ropes and metal wire are prohibited.
- Kites and ‘gudda’ larger than approved sizes are prohibited.
- Kite flying outside of February 6 and 8 will result in legal penalties, and parents or guardians will be held responsible for illegal kite flying.
