Airlines have sharply increased passenger fares on flights to Lahore ahead of the highly anticipated, colourful and culturally significant Basant kite-flying festival scheduled for February 6, 7 and 8 in the provincial capital.
With Basant festivities approaching, a large number of people from across Pakistan and abroad have begun arriving in Lahore, many of whom have already booked rooftops, particularly in the Walled City and other prominent areas of the provincial capital.
Amid the growing rush of air travellers, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday that airfares on Karachi-to-Lahore flights have surged dramatically, placing a heavy financial burden on passengers.
According to the TV channel report, airlines have resorted to arbitrary pricing for Lahore-bound flights, leaving travellers struggling to secure affordable tickets.
The channel reported that the price of a one-way air ticket to Lahore has exceeded Rs68,000, whereas the same route previously cost between Rs28,000 and Rs32,000.
Meanwhile, the soaring prices of kite-flying equipment in Lahore have also dampened the festive spirit of Basant, as kite-flying associations have failed to persuade authorities and market players to bring down the rates, despite the government’s tall claims of ensuring affordability.
According to the report, kite-flying associations remained unable to manage arrangements effectively despite being “on board” with the administration and instead limited their engagement to a series of meetings without producing tangible results.
Sources said that representatives of the associations appeared more focused on securing passes for official events rather than addressing market challenges related to kite and string prices.
The sources added that kite-flying associations failed to realistically assess ground realities and demand trends and did not timely demand permission to bring kite supplies from outside Lahore.
Only after demand surged uncontrollably did the associations consider importing kites from other cities, but the approval granted just days before Basant has so far proven ineffective, as market prices remain out of control.
The report further said that internal divisions within kite-flying associations also weakened their effectiveness, as the All Pakistan Kite Flying Association and the District Kite Flying Association pursued separate agendas.
In addition, around 30 more kite-flying associations submitted applications to the deputy commissioner for registration, of which 20 new associations were approved, three applications were rejected, and the registration process for seven associations remains underway.
As Basant draws closer, soaring airfares and inflated kite prices threaten to overshadow the festive celebrations in Lahore, raising questions over regulatory oversight and coordination among stakeholders.
Reporters: Ashraf Khan and Tahir Jameel Khan