KARACHI – February 9, 2026: Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, and Former Provincial Minister Information Technology, stated today that the revival of Basant in Lahore is not merely a cultural imperative but a massive economic engine capable of generating Rs 6 to Rs 8 billion in three days, in direct and indirect revenue for the struggling economy.
Speaking to the business community, Mian Zahid Hussain appreciated the administrative controls and oversight on the festival to avoid mishaps, which has increased investor confidence. He cited market data indicating that in just the first few days of February 2026, the kite-flying industry saw a trade surge of over Rs 1.5 billion, with sales of over 1 million kites and 20,000 spools reported in Lahore alone. He emphasized that this capital circulation benefits the poorest segments of society—from bamboo cutters and paper artisans to chemical vendors and street food hawkers.
“Basant is our ‘Dubai Shopping Festival’,” Mian Zahid Hussain remarked. “While nations like the UAE generate billions from constructed tourism, we are actively shutting down an indigenous cultural brand that naturally attracts global attention.” He pointed out that during the brief window of activity this year, hotel occupancy in Lahore spiked, and rooftop rentals commanded prices between Rs 200,000 and Rs 1 million with prime rooftops reportedly reaching Rs 2.5–3 million for the three-day window, injecting massive liquidity into the local hospitality sector.
Addressing the critical issue of safety, the veteran business leader termed the loss of lives from glass or metal coated strings “unacceptable” but argued that a ban is a sluggish administrative solution that drives the trade underground, making it more dangerous. He advocated for the “Safe Zone Model”—similar to the initiatives in DHA Phase 9 and specific approved corridors—where kite flying is permitted under strict supervision. He supported the government’s initiative of QR-coded kites and the mandatory installation of safety rods on motorcycles, stating that technology and regulation, not prohibition, are the answers.
Mian Zahid Hussain also highlighted the “Soft Image” dividends, noting that a safe Basant projects a vibrant, peaceful Pakistan to the world, countering negative geopolitical narratives. He urged the Punjab government to form a permanent “Basant Regulatory Board” like Cricket Control Board, comprising administration, police, and business representatives to manage the festival professionally, ensuring that the thousands of jobs generated by this industry are sustained while maintaining zero tolerance for lethal chemical strings.
