LAHORE: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has directed the police authorities and the provincial administration to strictly implement the ban on kite flying.

Mr Buzdar warned that incidents of kite flying and any violation would not be tolerated. He said wherever incident of kite flying took place the police and administration of that city would be held responsible.

The chief minister expressed indignation over the incidents of kite flying in some cities and asserted that safeguarding lives of people was government functionaries’ collective responsibility. He said preference could not be given to hobby over human life. He warned that he would take strict action if administration and police did not perform their duties efficiently.

He asked the police and administration to take more effective measures to stop kite flying.

The chief minister had taken notice of various incidents of kite flying and aerial firing in Rawalpindi despite ban. He had also sought a report from the commissioner and the RPO. Mr Buzdar was of the view that the police and administration should have taken measures for preventing such incidents.

Meanwhile, IGP Rao Sardar Ali Khan has said that crackdown on illegal manufacture, sale and use of metallic strings and kites should be intensified in all districts of the province.

He said that steps should be taken against those who fly kites at night and directed RPOs, CPOs and DPOs to keep a close watch on kite flying and aerial firing in Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan and other major cities.

He said that civil society and parents should work with police to play their role in protecting human lives by immediately contacting 15.

DUBAI VISIT: The chief minister on Saturday proceeded to Dubai on a three-day visit.

He will be the chief guest at the agreement-signing ceremony for resuming the construction of Mubarak Centre with Dhabi Group. He will also hold meetings with high officials of the Dhabi Group.

Mr Buzdar hopes that Mubarak Centre will promote trade and economic activities and the deal will encourage foreign investment to create more job opportunities.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2022