Lahore: The Punjab Assembly has enacted the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying (Amendment) Act, 2024, imposing a province-wide ban on kite flying and introducing severe penalties for violations. The move is aimed at curbing the fatal consequences of dangerous kite flying practices.
The amended law prohibits the transportation and use of kites, metallic wires, nylon cords, and threads coated with sharp mannjha or other hazardous materials. The legislation comes in response to numerous accidents and fatalities caused by the use of sharp strings, particularly among motorcyclists.
Under the new provisions, individuals caught flying kites will face three to five years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs2 million, or both. Non-payment of the fine may result in an additional year of imprisonment. Kite makers and transporters face even stricter consequences, with penalties ranging from five to seven years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs5 million. Failure to pay the fine could lead to two additional years behind bars.
Specific measures have also been introduced for minors involved in kite flying. First-time offenders will be fined Rs50,000, increasing to Rs100,000 for a second offence. A third violation will invoke punishments under the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, which includes imprisonment.
The bill highlighted the gravity of the issue, citing numerous fatal incidents caused by kite flying. In March last year, a motorcyclist in Faisalabad lost his life after a metal string from a stray kite fatally cut his throat. The tragic incident prompted Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to order a crackdown on those involved in kite flying. In August, the provincial government declared kite making, flying, and transportation as non-bailable offences.
The Assembly justified the harsher penalties, stating, "Dangerous kite flying has caused the deaths of many motorcyclists across Punjab. Enhanced punishments commensurate with the gravity of the offence have been provided to deter the public effectively."
The law aims to prevent further loss of life and create awareness about the dangers of reckless kite flying across the province.