LAHORE:
The Punjab government formally replaced the decades-old ban on kite flying with a strict new law, ending the blanket approach and introducing a tightly regulated regime aimed at enforcing strict public safety controls.
The provincial cabinet approved the new legislation, which declares unauthorized kite flying a criminal offense and gives broad enforcement powers to police and district authorities.
As per the new law, kite flying will be allowed only with the prior approval of the district administration and strictly within the designated areas. The use, manufacture, storage, transportation or sale of metallic, nylon or chemically treated threads has been prohibited, and violations carry severe penalties. Officials say the revised framework has been designed to address long-standing safety risks associated with kite flying, particularly fatal accidents involving motorcyclists and pedestrians.
The legislation introduces mandatory registration for manufacturers and sellers of kites and strings, making unregistered production or sale a punishable offense that can lead to deregistration and legal action. Police officers, of no lower rank than specified in the law, have been empowered to conduct searches, seize materials and make arrests without a warrant.
All kite-flying offenses have been declared cognizable and non-bailable, ensuring speedy court proceedings.
The punishments provided for in the new law are notably more severe than those prescribed under the previous regime. People found using illegal or dangerous threads face prison sentences of five to seven years, as well as heavy fines. Separate penalties apply to those involved in the manufacture or marketing of prohibited materials, while juvenile offenders will be dealt with under the Juvenile Justice System, with fines recoverable from parents or guardians in the event of non-payment.
The previous law, the Punjab Kite Flying Prohibition Ordinance, 2001, imposed a near-total ban on kite flying across the province, criminalizing the activity heavily due to repeated fatal incidents. Although it was amended several times over the years, including limited provisions that once allowed controlled kite flying during the spring season, the ordinance was criticized for weak enforcement and ambiguity. The new legislation eliminates those exemptions, replacing them with a comprehensive regulatory structure backed by stricter punishments and clearer administrative oversight.
Government officials say the revised law reflects a shift from prohibition to controlled regulation, with public safety as its primary goal. Special emphasis has been placed on protecting motorcyclists, who have historically been the most vulnerable to injuries caused by sharp kite strings. Authorities maintain that the intention is not to suppress cultural expression but to ensure that any permitted activities do not endanger lives.
The law came into force with immediate effect and provincial authorities have ordered law enforcement agencies to begin implementing it without delay. Officials have warned that zero tolerance will be shown toward violations.
IT city
The cabinet also decided to build the province’s second largest information technology (IT) city in Rawalpindi.
The cabinet set the goal of training 2,300 trained young professionals in one year.
Chairing the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered that all departments will be required to complete investigations against the employees within three months.
The Council of Ministers approved the installation of modern traffic lights. The CM ordered to mark zebra crossings on all roads and fill potholes immediately.
The cabinet decided to establish an independent examination authority.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz increased the allowance for government school principals from Rs 500 to Rs 10,000.
The cabinet set a goal of exporting livestock by forming a livestock company. A reward of Rs 100,000 was also announced for traffic wardens who abide by traffic rules.
The CM congratulated Agriculture Minister Ashiq Kirmani and his team for achieving the target of wheat cultivation ahead of other provinces. The cabinet approved a policy of paying fees to mosque imams. The relaxation of restrictions on temporary hiring in various medical institutions was approved.
