Punjab has had a ban on kite flying for almost 20 years. Despite this ban, more than 200 people have died due to kite flying accidents during this period.
To address this dangerous problem, the provincial government is thinking about changing the Kite Flying Act. They might even include it in the Anti-Terrorism Act to make it stricter and reduce the risks from kite strings.
The ban on kite flying in Punjab began in 2005 after 25 people died due to accidents involving kite strings. The ban was lifted briefly in 2006 and 2007 but had to be reinstated because more people died.
In 2009, the Supreme Court directed the creation of the Kite Flying Act to help authorities crack down on those who violated the ban. Despite this new law, no one involved in making kite strings or flying kites has faced significant penalties.
Chemical-coated strings are responsible for about 90% of the fatalities and can cause severe injuries to the neck and face. Although the Kite Flying Act has helped reduce the number of deaths since it was passed, there are still about 17 to 20 deaths and 50 to 55 injuries each year. These incidents often occur during Punjab’s spring festival, Basant.
Despite ongoing arrests and legal actions against kite makers, flyers, and string sellers, the authorities have had limited success in controlling the problem. Lahore has seen the most cases and arrests related to kite flying.
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Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari has recognized that kite flying remains a significant problem, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing it.
To tackle the issue, the provincial government is considering strict changes to the Kite Flying Act. Immediate steps include intensifying efforts to stop kite flying and pushing for legal reforms that would introduce tougher penalties for those who break the law.