Province-wide kite flying ban to continue

Sale, transport and use of kites to be treated as cognisable offences

LAHORE:

Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana has reiterated that kite flying will remain banned across the city after the conclusion of the Basant Festival, warning that violators will face uncompromising legal action.

The CCPO said the Kite Flying Act would be enforced without discrimination and directed police officers to maintain heightened vigilance to curb illegal kite flying.

He warned that shopkeepers involved in the sale or purchase of kites and string would be dealt with strictly, adding that the transportation of kites and string would also be treated as a cognisable offence.

"Illegal kite flying can prove fatal," Kamyana said, urging citizens to comply with the law. He also appealed to parents to closely monitor their children and prevent them from engaging in unlawful kite flying to avoid tragic incidents.

Meanwhile, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran thanked Lahore's residents for their cooperation during the three-day Basant celebrations, saying the festival remained safe and memorable due to responsible public behaviour.

According to a police spokesperson, citizens fully adhered to government-issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) throughout the festivities.

The DIG said SOPs were observed at every stage, from purchasing kites to flying them.

He noted that motorcyclists used safety rods, chemical and metallic strings were avoided, and no incidents of aerial firing were reported, terming the conduct commendable.

He added that citizens voluntarily brought down kites after the permitted time, describing it as a model example of public cooperation.

"With the support of the public, Basant remained both safe and festive, once again drawing global attention to Lahore," he said.

DIG Faisal Kamran also praised Lahore Police officers and personnel for effective enforcement of SOPs and maintaining law and order, crediting their efforts for the smooth conduct of the festival.