Punjab Police intensify crackdown on kite flying and metal strings across the province

The Punjab Police have intensified their crackdown on violations of the Anti-Kite Flying Act across the province, including Lahore, to eliminate the dangerous practice of metal string use, reported 24NewsHd TV channel Tuesday.

According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, 2,574 suspects have been arrested this year for violating the law, and 2,536 cases have been registered. Law enforcement officials have seized 433,760 kites and more than 15,000 string-spinning wheels, and challans have been submitted in 2,174 cases.

In Lahore alone, police have arrested 772 suspects and registered 777 cases. A total of 21,621 kites and 1,040 string-spinning wheels have been confiscated in the provincial capital. Comparatively, last year saw a much higher number of arrests across Punjab, with 12,525 suspects detained and 11,866 cases registered.

Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar has directed law enforcement agencies to ensure the strict implementation of the Kite Flying Prohibition Amendment Bill. He instructed Regional Police Officers (RPOs), City Police Officers (CPOs), and District Police Officers (DPOs) to accelerate their crackdown on both kite flyers and those involved in the sale and manufacturing of kites and metal strings.

Dr. Anwar emphasized a “zero-tolerance policy” against individuals engaging in these life-threatening activities, warning that those involved in the “bloody business” would face severe legal action. He also ordered authorities to take strict action against online sellers of metal strings and kites.

Urging parents to keep their children away from this dangerous practice, Dr. Anwar called on citizens to fulfill their civic duty by reporting any instances of kite flying by dialing 15.

"Public cooperation is crucial in eliminating this deadly sport," he added.