Decisive action required to implement ban on kite-flying

ISLAMABAD, Mar 3 (APP):Despite the debate over the years and indecisive action against lethal recreational activity of kite flying,
the authorities concerned are at their wits end and seemed to have accepted it as a necessary evil.
Senator Taj Haider of Pakistan People’s Party, while talking to APP stressed on legislators, educationists
and rational segment of civil society to launch a comprehensive campaign against kite flying, terming it
“the only way forward to deal with the problem.”
He however said it was responsibility of state to protect public lives by completely banning such
a death-dealing activity.”Only legislation may not help unless people are sensitized about their obligation
on the issue,” he suggested.
A Supreme Court Lawyer and member of Pakistan Bar Council, Maqsood Buttar, said that Homicide
chapter of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) must be used against manufacturers of kite and fatal string. “There
was no alternative for a human life and anti-kite flying laws should be implemented in letter and spirit”.
“Had there been a forceful ban and implementation years back after strict legislation, the activity may
have vanished up till now,” he noted.
Mian Muhammad Tariq Mehmood MNA, however had his own view regarding “BASANT”, he said
banning a recreational activity is not a solution to the issue. “The incidents of deaths and injuries can
be curtailed by taking certain pre-emptive measures.
“Some spots must be designated far away from the populous areas but this festivity must be allowed
as it is a source of enjoyment for people”, he added.
“The “BASANT” , a controversial kite-flying festival has been celebrated over the years across the
country. The majority of the enthusiasts of this festivity belong to the Punjab province. The deadly
chemical-coated string, aerial firing and accidents of youngsters chasing the kites on roads, has made
it a somewhat murderous and controversial activity”, he deplored.
Kite-flying goes on everywhere but neither it is completely banned nor fully authorised due to
a mixed public reaction about the activity. However, it was imperative to form a result-oriented
strategy by the authorities concerned to get an out of the box solution to the issue.