ISLAMABAD: Following a campaign against flying and selling of kites, two kite dealers were arrested and 7,000 kites and 700 rolls recovered from them.

A significant number of kites being flown can still be seen in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad as citizens violate the ban on it.

While some citizens have asked for a complete crackdown on kite dealers and stressed effective implementation of the ban to prevent loss of lives in spring, there are also people who are fully prepared to celebrate Basant (the festival of kites) without any worry.

Amjad Ali, a resident of Rawalpindi, thinks kite-flying is a dangerous activity.

The ban has been imposed because children run after kites, hoping to catch them and end up hurting themselves with some even losing their lives. Whenever a kite is cut, it is followed by insane amount of aerial firing, said a young girl, Irum, adding people who do this obviously have no regard for the safety of others.

The sound of gunfire is annoying and disturbing for law abiding citizens, she added.

“It is the responsibility of the masses to be vigilant and keep eyes around and if anyone is found involved in this activity, police should be approached,” a police spokesperson said, adding: “Islamabad police are taking every possible step to save lives and property of the citizens.”

Talking about the dangers of using toxic string, a citizen said he narrowly escaped being electrocuted. Not only do these razor-sharp strings pose a danger to humans but also to birds, said a worried mother.

On the other hand, Sheraz, a university student, proudly boasted about preparing for the upcoming spring festival where he would be flying kites.

However, City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Umar Saeed Malik said no one would be allowed to violate the kite flying ban and police were taking strict action in accordance with the law against kite sellers, flyers and those involved in aerial firing.— Additional information from APP

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2022