LAHORE: Despite the ban on kite-flying in the provincial capital, partial violation of the law is witnessed in densely populated areas, especially during weekend nights, Daily Times observed.Some kite-flying fans, in order to avoid arrest or financial penalty, have started arranging short kite-flying competitions on weekend nights in densely populated areas of the city, including Shah Alam, Mochi Gate, Bhatti Gate, Makkah Colony, Madina Colony, Samanabad, Rehman Pura, Ichhra, Sanda and other areas.The citizens, especially motorcyclists, have demanded the government ensure a complete ban on this illegal activity and book the violators.When contacted, District Coordination Officer Ahad Khan Cheema said that there was a complete ban on kite-flying in the city and no one would be allowed to violate the law and take lives of innocent people. To a question about incidents of kite-flying in densely populated areas, he said that special teams of the city district government have been formed to launch a crackdown on those violating the law. He said the teams would also monitor such violation of law during the night hours, especially on weekend nights.
The sport has been banned since the last five years. Recently, a committee formed by the government to review the matter decided to keep the ban in the larger interest of the people. The issue was once again highlighted by the local and national media last week when Punjab Governor Latif Khosa issued a statement in favour of kite-flying. “I wish I could fly kites with Sharif at Raiwind,” Khosa said while talking to media. The statement was criticised by the media. Athough no formal legislation has been made to ban the sport, the activity has been banned since the last five years following incidents
of deaths – Dailytimews
