Punjab Bans Kite Flying; Violators to Face Fines and Jail

The Punjab Cabinet Committee has approved a ban on all kite-flying activities and the manufacturing of hazardous twines and strings.

This decision was made during a meeting of the Punjab Cabinet Committee on Law and Privatisation, chaired by Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rahman. Law Minister Sohaib Bharath was also in attendance, with Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique joining via video link.

The committee approved key amendments to the Punjab Arms Ordinance 1965 and the Prohibition of Kite Flying Ordinance 2001, resulting in a complete ban on kite flying and the production of harmful kite strings.

The preparation and sale of kite strings, including those made from metal wires and other dangerous materials, are now strictly prohibited. Violators of the ban will face severe penalties, including a minimum of three years in prison for kite flying and at least five years in prison or a substantial fine for the manufacture and distribution of such hazardous materials.

The amendments also propose that fines will be collected from the parents of children caught violating the kite-flying ban. Additionally, the unauthorized sale, repair, manufacturing, and sports shooting of firearms without a license will be banned under the new regulations.

Further amendments to the Punjab Vagrancy Ordinance 1958 and the Probation of Offenders Ordinance 1960 were proposed, aiming to crack down on illegal activities across the province. “No concessions should be given to those who risk people’s lives in the name of entertainment,” stressed Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rahman.

These new regulations underscore the government’s commitment to public safety and legal enforcement, with officials determined to ensure that entertainment does not come at the expense of human lives.