RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi residents flouted a strict ban on kite flying and aerial firing to celebrate Basant on Friday.

The defiance was marked by the locals’ passion for the traditional game that has turned bloody since the introduction of chemical-laced strings.

According to sources, the Rawalpindi police continued a crackdown on those violating the ban, arresting 110 people involved in the controversial sport.

They also claimed to have recovered hundreds of kites and string rolls.

Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani reportedly supervised an awareness campaign regarding kite flying and aerial firing for the last two weeks. During the drive, he highlighted dangers associated with kite flying through walks, seminars and lectures, but the people ignored the ban on kite flying and aerial firing.

“As evening fell, kite flying was witnessed in different areas and there was intense aerial firing being carried out in different areas,” sources said.

During the entire situation, the police continued their crackdown against kite flyers.

According to a police spokesperson, hundreds of kites were seized from the city and more than 115 people were arrested for violating the ban on kite flying and aerial firing.

He said in addition to kites, weapons, including Kalashnikovs and pistols were also recovered.

The police spokesperson said that police teams were continuously engaged in a crackdown against kites flying across the city.

Legal action is also being taken against the owners of the buildings from which the kites were flown.

The accused involved in kite flying were also identified through videos posted on social media.

Kite flying and aerial firing are punishable crimes and the accused involved cannot escape the clutches of the law, the police said.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2025