The Kite Association in Rawalpindi has announced its plans to celebrate Basant Night today (Thursday) and Basant festival on Friday, in open defiance of the district government’s ban on kite flying and selling. Despite orders from the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) and City Police Officer (CPO) for a crackdown on anyone involved, preparations for the festivities are underway.
The district authorities have intensified efforts to enforce the ban, with police stations instructed to arrest kite flyers and sellers. Motorcyclists have also been advised to take safety precautions against the hazardous metal string commonly used in kite flying, as the district administration ramps up measures to prevent accidents.
Also Read: Kite Flying Association to Defy Government Ban, Announces Dual Basant Festivals
Despite these warnings, the Kite Association remains resolute. Vice Chairman Chaudhry Iqbal declared that Basant will be celebrated regardless of the ban, with contingency plans to postpone the event to February 28 if it rains. Iqbal has criticized the government for not addressing the root cause of kite-related injuries — the production of glass-coated metal string. He has called for a complete ban on the dangerous material while suggesting that kite flying should be allowed in designated open grounds.
Interestingly, kite orders are being placed secretly via social media using coded language, with “pet animals” referring to kites and “animal feed” representing the string. Despite police raids, a large supply of kites and string has already been delivered to the city, and preparations are in full swing in some neighborhoods, including areas where police officials’ children are reportedly involved.
In response, the police have deployed motorcycle patrols and issued announcements via loudspeakers in local mosques, warning residents against participating in the banned activities. Officers are equipped with ladders to access rooftops, where many kite flyers typically operate from.
DC Hassan Waqar Cheema has reiterated the government’s strict stance, warning that those caught flying or selling kites will face severe penalties, including jail sentences of three to seven years and fines ranging from Rs500,000 to Rs5 million. The administration has made it clear that no exceptions will be made for Basant Night or Friday’s festivities.
