LAHORE: In response to plea of Judicial Activism Forum on Monday Justice Malik Owais Khalid of the Lahore High Court sought a comprehensive report from the Lahore Police pertaining to safety plan and security measures devised for kite-flying activities in Lahore from February 6 to 8.
Advocate Azhar Siddique of Judicial Activism Forum has questioned constitutionality of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, as well as legality of Deputy Commissioner Lahore notification for kite flying permission. During the hearing, the court issued directives to the IG and CCPO submit a report and explain how safty plan and security measures would be taken during possible kite flying activity in Lahore.
In his rebuttal, provincial law officer Anwar Hussain challenged maintainability of the petition on the grounds saying the Ordinance has now become an Act which makes the petition infructuous, to which the Bench observed legal aspects of the Act will be examined later as the petition in hand has been filed regarding protection of the lives and property of citizens.
On Monday, appearing before the single-member bench of the Justice Malik Owais Khalid, the counsel argued saying that protection of life and property of citizens during kite flying is a fundamental right of every citizen under the Constitution. He prayed the bench to declare the Kite Flying Ordinance and the notification regarding the permission for kite flying null and void.
During the proceedings, the Bench asked from provincial government counsel that what steps have been taken to protect citizens and how safety will be ensured during kite flying activities. Addressing the provincial law officer Justice Khalid pointed out some photographs have also been annexure with the petition in which a child’s throat can be seen cut.
Weeks ago, Advocate Azhar Siddique of the Judicial Activism has invoked jurisdiction of the Lahore High Court while challenging constitutionality of the Ordianance and legality of the notification that allows kite-flying activities on February 6, 7 and 8 in Lahore.
Terming the notification as a serious threat to public safety, he pointed out that a young girl and a youth were recently critically injured in separate incidents involving kite strings, underscoring the continuing risks associated with the practice.
The petition further maintained that in the past, numerous valuable lives have been lost due to kite-string-related incidents, despite existing bans and safety concerns. The petitioner has requested the court to order the withdrawal of the impugned notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner.
It has also been pleaded that the court suspend the notification until the final adjudication of the main petition, in the interest of public safety.
Pertinently mention that in December 29, the Lahore district administration formally approved the conditional revival of Basant in 2026, allowing kite flying under an extensive set of safety regulations aimed at protecting lives while restoring one of the city’s most celebrated cultural traditions.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza issued an official notification permitting Basant celebrations within the district limits on Feb 6, 7 and 8, 2026. The move marked a significant policy shift after years of restrictions, with authorities emphasising that the festival will proceed only under strict enforcement of safety laws and regulatory oversight.
According to the notification, kite flying would be allowed exclusively on the three designated days, while the manufacture, trade and sale of approved kite-flying materials will be regulated through a mandatory registration system. Manufacturers, traders and sellers must complete digital registration via the e-Biz application or the official portal basant.punjab.gov.pk, with the registration process already underway.
Later, the Bench issued directives to provincial law officer to ensure order of the court to executive IG Punjab and CCPO has to furnished the security plan and list of measures before the court. Later, the court adjourned hearing of the matter till January 16.
