Basant Festival: Punjab Police’s Zero-Tolerance Action Against Metallic and Chemical String and Illegal Kite Flying
Only registered vendors allowed to sell kites and string in Lahore; immediate action on violations: IG Punjab
333 cases registered, 340 accused arrested within 24 hours for violation of the Anti-Kite Flying Act
Punjab Police is taking robust action across the province against metallic and chemical string and illegal kite flying. Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, stated that strict enforcement of the government’s code of conduct and SOPs is being ensured to make the three-day Basant Festival in the provincial capital safe. The IG Punjab clarified that in Lahore only registered kite vendors are permitted to sell approved kites and strings, and immediate, indiscriminate action will be taken against law violators. He directed Lahore Police to ensure effective checking of the buying and selling of kites and string, and strict compliance with government SOPs related to Basant. Dr. Usman Anwar further stated that during Basant, the law will act immediately against aerial firing, display of weapons, obscenity, and immoral conduct. He added that a zero-tolerance policy is being adopted across the province against violations of the Anti-Kite Flying Act.
The IG Punjab also said that in Lahore, Basant is permitted only on specified days under strict government conditions and laws, and any kind of violation will be unacceptable. Sharing details, the Punjab Police spokesperson said that during the past 24 hours, 333 cases were registered and 340 accused were arrested across the province, including Lahore, for violations of the Anti-Kite Flying Act. From the accused, 19,324 unapproved kites and 612 string reels were recovered. The spokesperson further added that in the provincial capital Lahore, 167 accused involved in the illegal business of kites and string were arrested, and more than 2,000 kites and 451 string reels were recovered. Punjab Police is committed to the protection of citizens’ lives and property, and actions against illegal kite flying will continue without interruption.
Handout No. 97)
Syed Mubasher Hussain
Director Public Relations
Punjab Police
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