ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Police arrested 54 individuals and seized more than 21,000 kites and chemical strings during January as part of an ongoing crackdown on hazardous kite-flying material, it was reported on Sunday.
Kite-flying, particularly with chemically coated strings, is linked to serious injuries and fatalities, often affecting motorcyclists, pedestrians, and children.
Basant, the traditional kite-flying festival, was banned in Punjab in 2007 following multiple deaths and accidents caused by sharp strings and celebratory gunfire.
According to police spokesperson Qazi Ali Raza, raids were conducted across the capital, resulting in the recovery of over 11,000 kites, more than 10,000 chemical strings, and other related equipment such as charkis. Cases have been registered against those arrested.
SSP Raza described kite-flying with chemical strings as “a deadly activity” that poses a grave threat to human life, warning that it can cause permanent disability or death.
He urged parents to educate their children about the dangers and legal consequences of kite-flying. Awareness campaigns regarding the risks and legal framework are also underway.
He stressed that the Islamabad Police maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward kite flying, kite stelling, and the use of chemical strings, asserting that strict legal action will continue against offenders. Citizens have been encouraged to report violations via the emergency helpline 15 or their nearest police station.
The crackdown comes ahead of the Basant festival in Lahore, scheduled from February 6, after the Punjab government lifted the 18-year ban with strict regulations.
Separately, Rawalpindi police recently seized a mini-truck carrying 20,000 kites and 100 rolls of string, arresting the supplier, highlighting ongoing enforcement efforts in the region.
