Punjab Assembly Declares Kite Flying Non-Bailable Offense Under Amended Law
Lahore: The Punjab Assembly has passed the amended Kite Flying Prohibition Act 2024, imposing a complete ban on kite flying across the province to prevent tragic incidents caused by sharp kite strings.
The legislation strictly prohibits kite flying, manufacturing, and transportation of kite-related materials. Violators face severe penalties under the new law:
- Kite Flyers: Individuals caught flying kites will face 3 to 5 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 2 million, or both.
- Manufacturers and Transporters: Those involved in the production or transportation of kites will be penalized with 5 to 7 years in prison, fines of up to Rs 5 million, or both.
- Minors: First-time offenses by minors will result in a fine of Rs 50,000, increasing to Rs 100,000 for subsequent offenses.
The legislation also mandates fines ranging from Rs 500,000 to Rs 5 million for individuals involved in manufacturing, selling, or transporting kites.
The ban was introduced in response to rising concerns over fatal incidents caused by stray kite strings, which have claimed numerous lives across Punjab. By enforcing the strict ban, the government aims to protect public safety and prevent further tragedies.
The resolution to amend the Kite Flying Prohibition Act was moved by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Hina Parvez Butt, who emphasized the urgent need to address the dangers posed by kite flying.
In her resolution, Butt highlighted the increasing number of incidents involving sharp kite strings and urged the Punjab Assembly to declare kite and string-making as non-bailable offenses. She also called on judges to deny bail to individuals charged under the amended law.
The legislation has been welcomed by safety advocates, who view it as a critical step towards ensuring the well-being of the public.
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