The Punjab government on Monday cancelled the inauguration ceremony of the Basant Festival, which was scheduled to be held in Shahi Qila in Lahore on February 6, 2026, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to details, the decision to cancel the opening ceremony was taken to ensure implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during the Basant Festival.
A proposal is being considered that foreign guests should inaugurate the Festival symbolically, and they fly kites in the Walled City with other prominent personalities.
Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bokhari said that permission to fly kites is only granted to the people.
She said that special camp offices will be established in Safe City and the District Commissioner’s office for monitoring during the Basant Festival.
Every citizen can fly a kite on the roofs of their houses, and the government’s responsibility is to ensure implementation of these SOPs.
Azma Bokhari said that people can enjoy the Basant Festival with the implementation of SOPs.
Reporter: Tahir Jamil