ISLAMABAD/LAHORE — Police in Islamabad and across Punjab have intensified a crackdown on kite flying and the sale of hazardous chemical strings ahead of Basant celebrations, officials said.
According to a spokesman for Islamabad Police, Lohi Bher Police arrested two suspects, including an Afghan national, and recovered a large quantity of kites and chemical string from a bus traveling from Peshawar to Gujranwala. SSP Operations Islamabad Qazi Ali Raza said police seized 472 rolls of chemical string, more than 2,700 kites, spinning wheels and other equipment during the operation.
“Kite flying is no longer a harmless activity and has become a deadly practice,” Qazi Ali Raza said, warning that chemical string poses serious risks to children, motorcyclists and pedestrians. He urged parents to stop their children from engaging in kite flying and said public cooperation is essential to maintain safety in the capital.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police reported provincewide enforcement under the Kite Flying Act during the past 18 days. A police spokesman said 357 suspects were arrested and 360 cases registered, with more than 30,700 kites and 676 spinning wheels seized.
In Lahore alone, police arrested 107 suspects and confiscated 2,650 kites and 97 chemical strings. Inspector General of Punjab Police Usman Anwar said kite flying would not be tolerated and warned that strict action would be taken, including against those involved in online sales. Citizens were urged to report violations by calling 15.
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