Punjab Govt Plans International-Standard Basant in Lahore

The Punjab government has commenced preparations for the 2027 Basant Lahore festival, with aspirations to elevate it to an international standard. During a meeting chaired by Parks and Horticulture Authority Additional Director Rao Tasleem Akhtar, officials deliberated on various aspects of the celebration. Discussions included city-wide decorations and strategies for adorning major roads in Lahore prior to the festival.

Simultaneously, the process of obtaining manufacturing licenses for kites and strings has initiated to ensure adequate supplies are in place before Basant 2027. Representatives of kite flyers highlighted that expediting the licensing process could prevent the shortage of kite materials experienced this year. Khawaja Nadeem Wain, a kite flyers' leader, stated that manufacturers would require approximately four months to produce sufficient quantities of kites and strings.

Safety measures for the festival, especially for children, were also emphasized during the meeting. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had previously announced that Basant Lahore 2027 would be held from March 12 to 14. In a recent online post, she affirmed the finalized dates following the successful Basant 2026 celebrations, extending an invitation to people from across Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis, and international visitors to participate in the festival.