Lahore: The Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has announced a stringent enforcement strategy following the Punjab Government’s approval of the Kite Flying Prohibition Amendment Bill, which now categorizes kite flying as a non-bailable offense. The Punjab Police will intensify their crackdown on kite flyers, sellers, and manufacturers, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy towards this activity.

According to a statement by Punjab Police, operations under the Anti-Kite Flying Act are ongoing throughout the province, including in Lahore. Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) have been instructed to expedite efforts in apprehending individuals involved in the kite flying trade. The law enforcement agency is also targeting those engaged in the online sale of metal strings and kites.

The police are urging parental guidance to prevent children from participating in kite flying and are calling on teachers and civil society to contribute to discouraging such dangerous activities. Citizens are encouraged to report any kite flying incidents to the emergency number 15.

The Punjab Police’s spokesperson disclosed that, in the first 20 days of this year, 320 individuals have been arrested and 311 cases registered for violations of the Anti-Kite Flying Act. A total of 17,281 kites and 649 kite reels have been confiscated, with 191 cases having been processed for legal action.

In Lahore alone, 142 suspects have been apprehended, and 150 cases filed. The police have recovered 509 kites and 115 kite reels from these individuals, underscoring the department’s commitment to enforcing the new legislation.