LAHORE - In a sweeping crackdown on illegal kite flying, Punjab Police have arrested 4,495 individuals and registered 4,521 cases across the province so far this year, according to a police spokesperson. Law enforcement officials have seized a staggering 481,460 kites and 18,453 spools of string, submitting 3,985 challans to courts for prosecution. Lahore has emerged as a hotspot in the campaign, with 1,272 suspects arrested, 1,241 cases registered, and 28,341 kites along with 1,430 spools of string confiscated. The province-wide action is being carried out under the instructions of Inspector General Punjab Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, who has ordered strict enforcement of the amended Anti-Kite Flying Act. The IG has directed RPOs, CPOs, and DPOs to intensify efforts against those flying, selling, or manufacturing kites—especially those using metallic strings, which pose a deadly threat to public safety. Dr. Usman Anwar also warned that individuals engaged in the online sale of metallic kite strings and banned materials would face legal action. He urged parents to keep their children away from this life-threatening activity and called on the public to report violations by dialling police helpline 15. Punjab Police have reaffirmed their zero-tolerance policy toward this dangerous practice and vowed to continue operations to eliminate the menace from the province.
(The Nation)
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