In response to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s directive to curb kite flying and manufacturing, over 1,200 cases have been filed across Punjab. Lahore’s law enforcement recorded 1285 cases and arrested 1330 individuals in comprehensive search operations.
Among those detained were 1,223 kite flyers, 95 sellers, and 12 manufacturers, with authorities seizing a significant haul of over 19,700 kites and 1,116 string reels.
In Hafizabad, the police carried out search operations which led to more than 90 cases being registered against kite enthusiasts. This resulted in multiple arrests and confiscation of kites and string reels. Similarly, a crackdown in Pattoki targeted a kite production facility, which resulted in the arrest of three flyers and the factory owner. Hundreds of kites and related items were confiscated during this operation.
Tragically, in Faisalabad, a 22-year-old lost his life after a kite string slit his throat while riding a motorcycle on March 22.
Earlier, authorities apprehended 353 individuals across various divisions for involvement in kite flying, utilizing drone cameras for identification. Thousands of kites and bundles of strings were confiscated during the crackdown.
Despite strict regulations against kite flying, the activity persists, prompting intensified efforts by law enforcement. Several police divisions made arrests and confiscated kites and strings from various locations.
Additionally, during a raid on a suspected kite-selling operation, officers were allegedly assaulted, resulting in the tearing of two officers’ uniforms. Three suspects were apprehended, and a case was registered against them for obstructing official duties. The raid also led to the seizure of raw materials, kites, and spinning wheels from an illegal manufacturing facility.
