Lahore – Pakistan (HRNW)- The Punjab government has drafted a new Kite-Flying Ordinance proposing severe punishments for the use, manufacture, or sale of prohibited metallic or chemical-coated strings. Under the ordinance, offenders caught possessing or using banned strings could face up to five years in prison and fines reaching Rs. 2 million.
According to the proposed law, which is expected to be approved in the upcoming Punjab Assembly session, Deputy Commissioners will have the authority to permit kite flying within their districts under strict safety regulations.
Manufacturers and sellers of kites and string will be required to register officially with the local government. Violating registration rules—by producing or selling kites or string without authorization—could lead to imprisonment of up to five years and fines up to Rs. 500,000.
Additionally, the ordinance mandates that all kite-flying associations must register, and the use of metallic wire, sharp nylon, or chemically treated string (manja) will remain strictly prohibited.
The text further empowers sub-inspectors to arrest offenders without a warrant upon credible information. In areas where kite flying is permitted, motorcyclists will be prohibited from riding without proper safety precautions to prevent injuries caused by loose strings.
The ordinance aims to balance cultural tradition with public safety, following a history of fatal incidents linked to hazardous kite strings in Punjab.
