LAHORE, Pakistan — On Tuesday, lawmakers in Punjab, the most populous province of Pakistan, enacted a law that permanently prohibits kite flying throughout the region.
The legislation introduces stricter penalties, including longer prison sentences and substantial fines for those involved in kite flying and production, coinciding with the approaching Basant festival, which is celebrated for its long-standing kite flying traditions.
A previous prohibition on kite flying was established in 2005 in Lahore, the provincial capital, after tragic incidents where at least 11 individuals were killed due to injuries inflicted by metal or glass-coated strings used during kite competitions.
This initial ban expanded from Lahore to additional cities, and the new law will take effect across the entire province in anticipation of the Basant celebrations, which typically feature kite flying as a vibrant welcome to the spring season.
Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, a member of the Pakistan Muslim League, introduced the bill in the Punjab Assembly, where it received majority support and was subsequently passed.
Violators of the newly established law may face imprisonment of three to five years along with fines reaching up to 2 million rupees (approximately $7,200).
In addition, those who manufacture kites and strings could receive prison terms of up to seven years and be fined five million rupees (around $18,000).
Rehman emphasized that the law was crucial for protecting the lives of innocent individuals from further accidents.
The Basant festival, which has been celebrated for centuries, is characterized by the sight of thousands of colorful kites filling the sky. The term “Basant,” which translates to “yellow” in Hindi, reflects the blooming fields of yellow flowers synonymous with the arrival of spring.