LAHORE: Punjab Police have arrested 11,397 people and registered 10,849 cases across the province this year for violating the Anti-Kite Flying Act, as authorities intensify efforts to curb illegal kite flying, a police spokesperson said.
According to police, 599,340 kites have been seized from suspects during the ongoing crackdown. In Lahore alone, 5,740 suspects have been arrested and 5,466 cases registered. Police have also recovered more than 217,000 kites and 7,875 spools of kite string, commonly known as charkhis, from the provincial capital.
The Punjab inspector general of police has directed officers to ensure strict enforcement of the law, making it clear that illegal kite flying will not be permitted anywhere in the province.
The police chief has also ordered action against those involved in the illegal sale of metallic kite string and online kite trading.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a 10-day Basant festival to celebrate the arrival of 2027. The festivities are scheduled to take place across the province from January 29 to February 7, 2027.
The festival’s return follows its revival in Punjab last year after a gap of 25 years.
Ahead of Basant 2027, Lahore authorities have urged residents to complete the required safety arrangements to prevent accidents and protect lives during the celebrations.
The district administration has also prohibited the transportation of kite-flying materials through courier companies and transport services within Lahore as part of measures to regulate the festival and prevent violations.
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