NAROWAL: Sialkot police claimed on Thursday to have arrested 218 people for violating the Kite Flying Act during a crackdown launched on last Friday (Feb 21).

A first information report was registered against 173 suspects and authorities seized kites and chemical-coated string reels.

Sialkot DPO SSP Faisal Shahzad said five police circles have been established to monitor violations of the Kite Flying Act. Advanced technology and human intelligence sources are being utilised to enforce the ban.

The DSPs, in-charge of these circles, are conducting surveillance using drone cameras and telescopes.

The footage from the drone cameras is monitored from a control room in Sialkot City, while police teams are using telescopes from high-rise buildings to identify violators.

According to SSP Shahzad, police registered FIRs against 57 individuals in the City Circle, 34 in the Saddar Circle, 27 in the Daska Police Circle, 29 in the Pasrur Circle, and 26 in the Sambrial Circle. In total, 218 people were arrested and authorities recovered 4,660 kites and 1,448 chemical-coated string reels.

He said police teams are monitoring kite sellers and purchasers using human intelligence sources.

The DPO said operation against violators is ongoing to ensure strict compliance with the law.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2025