Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has issued strict directives to enforce the Kite Flying Act across Lahore and the entire province. He underscored the need for a firm crackdown on kite flying, selling, and manufacturing. Highlighting the dangers associated with the activity, he instructed senior police officials to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to ensure public safety and compliance with the law.
The Punjab Police spokesperson reported significant enforcement actions taken this year. 481 individuals have been arrested, and 468 cases were registered for violating the Kite Flying Act in Lahore and other parts of Punjab. Additionally, police have recovered over 30,000 kites and 953 spools of kite string, which are often coated with hazardous materials like glass or chemicals, making them particularly dangerous. Legal proceedings have been initiated, with challans filed for more than 300 cases to ensure offenders are held accountable.
In Lahore, where kite flying has been particularly prevalent, law enforcement has intensified its efforts. Over 180 individuals have been detained, 187 cases lodged, and more than 1,000 kites and 210 spools of kite string seized. These figures reflect the seriousness with which the authorities are addressing the issue to prevent accidents and fatalities.
Comparatively, last year saw even larger enforcement measures across Punjab. Police arrested 12,525 offenders and registered 11,866 cases for violations of the Kite Flying Act. Despite these efforts, kite flying continues to pose a significant risk to public safety, particularly due to incidents involving injuries caused by sharp strings, electrocutions, and accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles.
Dr. Usman Anwar reiterated that kite flying is a life-threatening activity and will not be permitted under any circumstances. He emphasized that the police are fully committed to protecting the public from the dangers associated with kite flying and ensuring the strict implementation of the law. Public awareness campaigns are also being encouraged to highlight the risks of kite flying and discourage participation in this dangerous practice. Authorities are urging citizens to report violations and cooperate with the police to help eliminate this hazardous activity from the province.
