Kite flying, manufacturing banned in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD:

Selling and flying kites has been banned in Islamabad following a notification issued by the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration on Friday.

Terming the razor sharp string a threat to human life, the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Humza Shafqaat in his capcity as district magistrate has banned manufacturing and sale kites for a period of two moths.

Kite flying string, particularly the maanjha, which was laced with powdered glass, metallic wire and nylon cord endanger human life and safety of the general public of district Islamabad, he said in the notification.

Many people, mostly motorcyclists, have been killed after getting the kite string entangled around the neck. The sport is banned in Rawalpindi like the rest of Punjab, however, ICTA took the decision now.

"I, Muhammd Hamza Shafqaat, PAS, district magistrate, Islamabad, in exercise of powers conferred on me under section 144 CrPC 1898 do prohibit the manufacturing and selling of kites, kite flying string, metallic wire, and nylon cord within the revenue, territorial limits of Islamabad district." Further, the owners and occupants of the houses, shops, hospitals, and building, shall not allow kite-flying activity on their rooftops,” the notification added.

The DC said the decision was taken keeping in view the risk kite flying posed to the life of motorcyclists particularly to that of children sitting on the two-wheelers.

The metallic or nylon string slit the throat of those traveling on two-wheeler within no time, he added. Besides, children, minors and teenagers, running after drifting kites cut loose in kite fighting, cause road accidents, he said, adding either they were hit by the motorists or else they collide their vehicle with another one while avoiding the running children.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2020.