Despite the Punjab government’s repeated claims of zero tolerance against the use of banned kite-flying materials, senior political figures were seen openly flouting the same rules during Basant celebrations in Lahore.
Videos circulating on social media show Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s cousin, Hamza Shehbaz, who is also the son of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, flying a kite using prohibited “charkhi” string.
Maryam bibi when you’re sending police to arrest your cousin Hamza Shehbaz? He is using the same banned charkhi. @MaryamNSharif 🤮pic.twitter.com/eclj6eCi7h https://t.co/GulNJYq2BR
— asher. (@ikstaaanacc) February 8, 2026
Similar footage also shows National Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan Bahadur participating in kite flying with strings that appear to fall under the banned category.
Irony, sadkay jaun Speaker National Assembly flying kite using banned charkhi ( most probably chemical dor as well its not clear though ) and proudly sharing stuff online. Again Sops are for poor people only. https://t.co/4yjeE4rPLJ pic.twitter.com/P1VlJGyVFy
— asher. (@ikstaaanacc) February 8, 2026
These scenes have surfaced just days after the Punjab government announced a complete ban on metallic and chemical-coated kite strings, warning that violators could face up to five years in prison along with heavy fines.
Another video shows PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar openly using charkhi, while people around him are flying banned chemical dor.
So the SOPs were only for the poor? Laws for the weak, immunity for the powerful this selective enforcement is the real problem. https://t.co/EF51X9U9wO pic.twitter.com/W0LyHQnxtm
— asher. (@ikstaaanacc) February 7, 2026
The provincial leadership had repeatedly stressed that the ban would be enforced without exception, citing public safety concerns.
Writer #KhalilUrRehmanQamar celebrating Basant with his daughter in Androon Lahore 🪁#BasantFestival #PhirAaiBasant #Basant2026 pic.twitter.com/ITBrFhYpwc
— Showbiz & News (@ShowbizAndNewz) February 8, 2026
Basant 2026 was allowed in Lahore for three days only, marking the festival’s limited return after years of prohibition due to multiple deaths and serious injuries caused by dangerous kite strings.
In the lead-up to the festival, the Punjab government claimed it had arrested 621 people as part of pre-Basant crackdowns to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.
Pls do not use Charkhi 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/PAn3dgydS5
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 6, 2026
However, the appearance of government-linked figures openly using banned materials has reignited debate over whether the law is being applied equally. Critics argue that while ordinary citizens face arrests and penalties, influential individuals continue to ignore restrictions without consequences.
So far, no official response has been issued by the Punjab government or the individuals seen in the videos, further intensifying concerns over accountability and rule enforcement during the festival.
