CM terms kite flying ‘blood sport’

Maryam, PML-N Quaid visit victim’s house

DIJKOT:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited on Monday the house of Asif Ashfaq, a young man who was killed by metallic kite string.

Both the chief minister and the former prime minister offered their condolences to Asif Ashfaq's father Muhammad Ashfaq and other family members.

They expressed their deep grief, sorrow and sympathies with the bereaved family.

“I am a mother and understand the pain of a mother,” the CM remarked while consoling the victim’s mother.

“The painful death of Asif Ashfaq is a matter of concern for the entire society.”

Nawaz Sharif also consoled the bereaved family and said: “Everyone should play their role to stop this crime.”

“Kite flying has become a blood sport, not a pastime anymore,” the CM said.

She requested the parents to fulfill their social responsibility by preventing their children from flying kites. “Strict legal action will be taken on making, selling and buying of metallic kite string.”

The IGP briefed the chief minister about the arrests of suspects responsible for the tragic incident.

Meanwhile, a motorcyclist was injured when a kite string got entangled around his neck on Qasim Road.

Chief Police Officer (CPO) Muhammad Ali Zia has taken note of the incident and requested a report from the SP for further investigation. Rescue sources said 22-year-old Ijaz Ahmed, a resident of Qasim Bazaar, was riding a motorcycle on Qasim Road en route to Degree College for some errands when a kite string got entangled around his neck, causing injury.

After receiving medical assistance, he was transferred to Samundri Tehsil Hospital, where doctors provided him with medical care. Retired, the CPO, has taken note of the incident and requested a report from the Division SP for further investigation.

Following the death of a young man due to a chemical string incident, the police have intensified their efforts to protect motorcyclists from similar incidents.

Over 22,000 motorcyclists have been equipped with safety antennas during the safety wire campaign. Additionally, awareness walks and seminars against kite flying were organised, leading the Chief Police Officer (CPO) to issue orders for collecting surety bonds from transporters and owners of high-rise buildings in the city.

In response to the CPO's directives, the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) instructed officers to install 10 safety wire antennas on each motorcycle and capture photos, number plates and contact numbers of citizens for documentation.

Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities have arrested 235 individuals involved in manufacturing and selling kite flying equipment during the last 24 hours.

Cases have been registered against them, and substantial quantities of kites and raw materials have been seized. However, there have been reports of innocent and disabled individuals being mistakenly apprehended and penalized.

The crackdown on kite flying operations intensified after the tragic death of Asif Ashfaq, who was fatally injured by a string while riding his motorcycle on Dijkot road.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took notice of the incident, prompting police action against all aspects of kite flying, including manufacturing, sale, and flying.

In various divisions of the city, including Lyllpur Town, Madina Town, Iqbal Town, Jaranwala, and Saddar, numerous individuals have been arrested during police operations.

During a raid in Montgomery Bazaar, a disabled resident named Muhammad Jameel was apprehended, with the police claiming to have seized kite-flying paraphernalia from him. However, CCTV footage contradicts this, showing him innocently preparing tea before his arrest.

Despite the ongoing efforts, there have been criticisms of police inefficiency, with reports of innocent individuals being targeted and cases filed against them. Nevertheless, raids on kite-making factories have resulted in the seizure of machinery and significant quantities of kite-related materials.

In addition to enforcement actions, the police have initiated an awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers of kite flying and the importance of safety measures.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2024.