Kites flying high in Rawalpindi despite ban

The ban on kite flying and use of metallic strings is being openly violated in the city and cantonment areas.

The residents of the city have expressed concern over kite flying and use of metallic strings in stark violation of the ban. They said the police seemed to have shut their eyes as kites could be seen flying in several areas of the city. The areas include People’s Colony, Tench Bhatta, Dhoke Seydan, Kiani Road, Dhoke Chaudharian, Adyala Road, Bakra Mandi, and Masrial, where kite flying is continuing unchecked.

Mumtaz, a resident of the old city area, told APP that kites could be seen flying in many areas, especially on Sundays, adding that the administration had failed to implement the ban.

He said March 8 had been fixed to celebrate Basant in cantonment areas. He asked the authorities to ensure strict compliance of the ban on kite flying to prevent road accidents and loss of precious human lives.

Haider, another resident, urged police high-ups to ensure a complete ban on the sale of kites, strings, particularly metallic ones along with fireworks material.

The citizens demanded of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the district government to strictly implement the ban on kite flying.

The chief minister had announced that the administration and police concerned would be held accountable for any violation of the ban on kite flying in any district of the province. However, no appropriate measures appear to have been taken to curb the activity. Kite flying has become a routine in the city, and has been causing problems for the people and the traffic. Because of easy availability, people can purchase kites and fly them not only on rooftops but also on roads.