Superintendent of Police City Bilal Ahmed stated that the suspect had been illegally selling kites at various locations across the city despite the obvious ban.
SP Bilal Ahmed reiterated that a complete ban remains in force on kite flying and its sale and purchase.
The Punjab administration’s prevention strategy reflects a contradictory approach: seeking to suppress cultural traditions while failing to address the underlying factors that genuinely endanger public safety.
A case has been registered against the accused, and investigations have been launched. Commending the successful operation, SP City praised SHO Shafiqabad and Sub-Inspector Sohail, along with the police team, for their effective action against the kite-selling network.
Read: Punjab bans kite flying permanently ahead of Basant
The Punjab government has, however, conducted a public opinion survey on the possible revival of “Safe Basant” for next years’ Jashan-e-Baharan (spring festival). The Punjab home department conducted a meeting on October 10, where Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) Director General Najamus Saqib was also present.
The meeting resolved that the use of nylon, metal wire, chemically coated string, or sharp thread (tandi) would remain strictly banned. It was further agreed that all kite manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers must register with their respective deputy commissioners.
Participants were briefed that any breach of the kite-flying regulations would lead to cancellation of registration, substantial fines, and possible imprisonment.
The ban
The ban came into effect in the entire province of Punjab at the start of this year. Originally imposed in Lahore in 2005 following a series of fatal accidents where bystanders were injured or killed by metal or glass-coated kite strings, the ban was extended to other cities over the years.
Under the new legislation, the ban will now be enforced throughout the entire province, with violators facing prison terms ranging from three to five years and fines up to Rs2 million.
Similarly, Kite and string manufacturers could face even harsher penalties, with possible sentences of up to seven years and fines as high as Rs5 million.