A police officer in Islamabad, SHO Ashfaq Warraich, has sparked outrage after openly threatening violent actions against individuals caught flying kites. In a viral video, Warraich can be seen making an announcement via a mosque loudspeaker, where he threatened to file cases against the parents of children caught flying kites. He also mentioned publicly beating offenders with shoes and demolishing their homes.
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This extreme stance comes amidst rising concerns about the dangers of kite flying, especially due to the use of sharp glass-coated kite strings, which have caused several fatal accidents in Pakistan. Warraich referred to kite flying as a “deadly game” and urged parents to prevent their children from participating. He also called for increased community awareness about the risks associated with the activity.
The officer’s statement was met with widespread backlash, with many questioning the legality and appropriateness of such threats. Legal experts have called his comments criminal, suggesting that disciplinary and legal consequences could follow.
The issue has gained further attention due to a series of deaths caused by dangerous kite strings in cities like Lahore and Faisalabad, which have hindered efforts to revive the Basant festival. Despite a ban on kite flying, accidents continue to be reported, as dangerous practices persist.
