LAHORE:
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday ordered the Director General of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) to be the necessary respondent in a petition challenging the Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025.
Justice Muhammad Awais Khalid, while hearing the case, noted that the proposals to revive Basant had originally been initiated by the WCLA chief. “Basically, the Walled City DG must be sued,” the judge noted.
The petitioner’s attorney argued that the matter involves urgent public safety concerns and should be resolved without delay.
The court expressed displeasure over the late arrival of the government lawyer and stressed that all parties must be fully prepared when dealing with a matter that poses risks to human life.
The petitioner’s lawyer claimed that the Government is endangering citizens by trying to reintroduce kite flying through the new ordinance.
He argued that, despite previous legislation in 2001 and 2024, fatal incidents caused by metallic and chemically coated kite strings have persisted.
He further argued that the recently introduced regulatory framework goes against public interest and could lead to more victims. Siddique urged the court to seek complete data on past deaths, FIRs and coercive actions related to kite flying.
“The Government must be held responsible for any loss of life resulting from the resurgence of kite flying,” he said, calling for the amended ordinance to be repealed.
Justice Khalid advised the petitioner to first include all relevant authorities as respondents before presenting arguments. The hearing was postponed until December 10.
