A viral notification from the Punjab Council of the Arts sparked a massive debate across social media, with many incorrectly claiming the provincial government had banned 132 songs specifically for the upcoming Basant festival. Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari quickly moved to clear the air, clarifying that the ban applies strictly to theatre and stage performances, not the kite-flying celebrations. The restricted list includes popular tracks like ‘Aa Galay Lag Ja’ and ‘Gaddi La Day Prado’, which the government has labeled as “stains on the name of music” due to their unethical and suggestive lyrics.
بسنت پر 130 فحش گانوں پر پابندی – جو سنے گا جیل جائے گا#Basant2026 #KiteMaking #LahoreBasant #KiteFlying #CulturalHeritage #KiteLicense #String #Lahore pic.twitter.com/CXDCzAVD9a
— UrduPoint اردوپوائنٹ (@DailyUrduPoint) January 27, 2026
The crackdown follows new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued in August, aimed at eliminating “double-meaning” content and vulgarity from commercial theatre to make it more family-friendly. While citizens are free to listen to these songs in their private lives, they are now prohibited during public stage plays. Meanwhile, excitement for Basant 2026 (scheduled for February 6-8) continues to build. The government has confirmed that while the festival is returning after an 18-year hiatus, strict rules are in place: a total ban on metallic or chemical strings and kites featuring political or religious imagery.
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Spokesperson Yaseen Bhatti reiterated that the government’s priority is preserving cultural decency while allowing traditional festivities to flourish under “safe and regulated” conditions. The Home Department has already enforced Section 144 for 30 days to prevent the use of provocative symbols on kites, ensuring the revival of spring remains a neutral, cultural event for all.
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