Jailed for kite flying: 12-year-old released after judge intervenes

After Sessio­ns Judge Rashid Qamar learnt about incide­nt, he went to Centra­l Jail himsel­f in order to free the boy.

GUJRANWALA: Sunday morning witnessed the end of the detention of a twelve-year-old boy who was jailed for fulfilling his hobby – kite flying.

Arsalan, a resident of College Road in Gujranwala, was sent to the Central Jail by the Model Town police under Kite Flying Act.

After Gujranwala Sessions Judge Rashid Qamar learnt about the incident, he went to the Central Jail himself in order to free the boy.

Qamar said that the Kite Flying Act was not applicable on twelve year olds and handed the boy to his family members.

He also summoned Magistrate Shahzad Ahmad and SHO Model Town, seeking an explanation.

Currently, the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying (Amendment) Bill, 2009 forbids committing or abetting the act of kite flying and/or manufacture and sale of kites.