Lahore [Pakistan], Jan 22 (NT): Even as Basant Panchmi, the festival observing the commencement of spring, is commemorated with great solemnity and show, the occasion remains uninspiring in Pakistan.

The Pak government imposed a strict outlaw on Basant, a festival earlier celebrated by Punjabis of all faiths to spot the onset of the spring season.

Authorities refer to safety reasons behind the instruction, even as clerics issue edict branding the festival as pagan in origin.

The outlaw is now in its twelfth year. In 2013, a plan to restart the celebrations was dropped after the terror faction Jamat-ud-Dawa said the celebrations are un-Islamic.

Last year, restrictions got stricter when Chief Minister of Punjab, Shehbaz Sharif, said that no one would be permitted to play with the lives of people and concerned District Police Officer would be held accountable for any destruction.

"Complete BAN on Basant...No one can be allowed to play with the lives of ppl...concerned DPO will be responsible for any violation of ban," Sharif had tweeted.

However, the order remains vain in some parts as people, mainly in Lahore, can be seen flying kites, which is an crucial part of the Basant festivities. (NT)