LAHORE, Jan 4: The Punjab government has decided to lift a ban and allow ‘strictly regulated’ kite flying and allied business in the province. According to an official announcement, Basant, an annual event which attracts tourists from the country and abroad, would be held in Lahore on Feb 25.

The kite flying, a major sport of the spring festival, was banned in 2005 under a Supreme Court order which took note of the killing of people, mainly motorcyclists, by glass-coated or metal-reinforced kite strings.

The ban would be re-imposed after the festival’s final day celebrations. Kites larger than 2 feet by 2 feet (less than a square meter) would not be allowed to prevent the use of heavy strings.

Offenders would face up to four years in jail, or a fine of Rs100,000.