Following a flurry of tragic incidents linking to kite-flying in a number of cities, the administration in Islamabad on Tuesday imposed Section 144 against kite-flying in the limits of the federal capital.
According to media reports, a Islamabad police spokesperson has stated that 24 cases were registered against kite-flying and 56 kite-flyers have been arrested this year.
The police spokesperson also warned that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in using metallaic cord and chemical string for kite-flying. Crackdown against kite flying continues in Punjab,
On the instructions of the Chief Minister of Punjab, a crackdown was continued across the province.
During the one-month-long drive against kite flying in Lahore, city police arrested 1223 kite fighters, 95 kite sellers, and 12 kite makers while more than 19,700 kites and 1,116 chemical string wheels were recovered from the possession of the accused.
In RenalaKhurd, a kite seller named Waqqas was arrested and dozens of kites were recovered from his custody. The city police registered a case against him under the Kite Flying Act. The police have registered more than 90 cases against kite selling in Hafizabad, JalalpurBhattian, and PindiBhattian. The police also recovered dozens of chemical string wheels and kites from the custody of the arrested kite sellers. Meanwhile The residents of Islamabad are demanding swift action against kite-flying in the Federal Capital in the wake of a tragic incident in Faisalabad, where a young man lost his life due to kite string.
The recent outcry stems from growing concerns about the dangers posed by stray kites, equipped with glass-coated strings, which have become hazardous for motorists plying on city’s roads.
Muhammad Farhan, a resident of the G-6 area, highlighted the perilous situation faced by motorists, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to address the issue. He expressed concerns over the perceived inability of department concerned to control kite-flying activities in the Federal Capital.
Muhammad Adnan from the F-6 area noted a growing awareness among the populace regarding the dangers of kite-flying. He pointed out the increasing dissemination of messages on social media platforms urging people to “say no to kite-flying.”
Responding to the public outcry, Dr. Abdullah Tabassum, the ICT Spokesman assured that the district administration was actively working to curb the hazardous activity. He disclosed that Assistant Commissioners and Magistrates had been deployed to enforce crackdowns across various areas.
Recent coordinated raids on kite-selling shops in Zia Masjid and Kural areas resulted in the apprehension of several kite traders and the confiscation of a significant quantity of kites and ropes.
Dr. Abdullah emphasized the importance of raising public awareness, with announcements being made in mosques throughout the district urging citizens to refrain from engaging in kite-flying activities.
On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon underscored the gravity of the situation, warning of legal consequences, including trials and arrests, for those found violating the prohibition on kite-flying.
