Unauthorised kite flying criminalised in Punjab, carries up to 7 years jail

Cabinet replaces blanket ban with strict regulation

LAHORE:

The Punjab govt has formally replaced its decades-old kite-flying prohibition with a new, tough law, ending the blanket approach and introducing a tightly regulated regime aimed at enforcing strict public safety controls.

The provincial cabinet approved the new legislation, which declares unauthorised kite flying a criminal offence and grants sweeping enforcement powers to police and district authorities.

Under the new law, kite flying will only be permitted with prior approval from the district administration and strictly within designated areas. The use, manufacture, storage, transport, or sale of chemically treated, nylon, or metallic string has been banned, with violations attracting severe penalties. Authorities say the revised framework has been designed to address the long-standing safety hazards associated with kite flying, particularly deadly accidents involving motorcyclists and pedestrians.

The legislation introduces mandatory registration for kite and string manufacturers and sellers, making unregistered production or sale a punishable offence that can lead to cancellation of registration and legal action. Police officers, not below the rank specified in the law, have been empowered to conduct searches, seize materials, and make arrests without warrants.

All kite-flying-related offences have been declared cognisable and non-bailable, ensuring swift legal proceedings.

Punishments under the new law are markedly harsher than those prescribed under the earlier regime. Individuals found using illegal or dangerous string face imprisonment ranging from five to seven years, along with heavy fines. Separate penalties apply to those involved in manufacturing or trading prohibited materials, while juvenile offenders will be dealt with under the Juvenile Justice System, with fines recoverable from parents or guardians in case of non-payment.

The previous law, the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying Ordinance, 2001, imposed a near-total ban on kite flying across the province, criminalising the activity largely due to repeated fatal incidents. Although amended several times over the years, including limited provisions that once allowed controlled kite flying during the spring season, the ordinance was criticised for weak enforcement and ambiguity. The new legislation removes those exemptions, replacing them with a comprehensive regulatory structure backed by stricter punishments and clearer administrative oversight.

Government officials say the revised law reflects a shift from prohibition to controlled regulation, with public safety as its core objective. Special emphasis has been placed on protecting motorcyclists, who have historically been the most vulnerable to injuries caused by sharp kite strings. The authorities maintain that the intent is not to suppress cultural expression but to ensure that any permitted activity does not endanger lives.

The law has come into force with immediate effect, and provincial authorities have directed law enforcement agencies to begin implementation without delay. Officials have warned that zero tolerance will be shown toward violations.

IT City

The cabinet also decided to build the second largest information technology (IT) city of the province in Rawalpindi.

The cabinet set a target of making 2,300 youth skilled professionals in a year.

Presiding over the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed that every department will be bound to complete inquiries against employees within three months.

The cabinet approved installation of modern traffic lights. The CM ordered marking of zebra crossings on every road and to fill potholes immediately.

The cabinet decided to establish an independent examination authority.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz increased an allowance for head teachers of government schools from Rs500 to Rs10,000.

The cabinet set a target of exporting cattle by forming a livestock company. A reward of Rs100,000 was also announced for traffic wardens who uphold traffic rules.

The CM congratulated Agriculture Minister Ashiq Kirmani and his team for meeting the wheat cultivation target earlier than other provinces. The cabinet approved a policy of paying honorarium to Imams of mosques. Approval was given for relaxation of restrictions on temporary recruitment in various medical institutions.