LAHORE, Jan 10: The Punjab government has allowed preparation of kites and twine and their transportation with immediate effect. The kite-flying has been allowed from Jan 20 to Feb 20.

The permission to prepare and sell kites and twine would remain in effect till Feb 20.

The decision was taken at a meeting on Saturday, which was presided over by Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. It reviewed arrangements for the forthcoming National Horse and Cattle Show and Jashan-i-Baharan.

The meeting was attended among others by Law Minister Raja Basharat, Tourism Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal, Lahore Nazim Mian Amer Mahmood, Chief Secretary Kamran Rasool, provincial secretaries, IGP Masood Shah and representatives of army.

The chief minister ordered that the Jashan-i-Baharan should be held not only in the posh areas of the city, but also in other parts so that a maximum number of people could enjoy the event.

He said traditional Punjab sports like wrestling and kabbadi should also be promoted, as they represented the rich culture of the province. "We would keep this culture alive at all costs and provide all resources for its promotion," he pledged.

He directed the administration to approach the Lahore's old families for the revival of kabbadi and wrestling. Urdu and Punjabi mushairas should also be included in the programmes, he said.

The Jashan-i-Baharan, he said, should also reflect a culture of other areas in the country. For that purpose, participation of artistes from other provinces should also be ensured.

The meeting decided that the event would be organized between Feb 5 and 15 and the Horse and Cattle Show between Feb 16 and Feb 20.

Meanwhile, the chief minister has ordered stern action against those found flying kites with metal wire.

In a circular issued from his secretariat, the administration has been directed to sternly deal with those found flying kites with metal wire. Arrangements should also be made to prevent sale of metal wire, and aerial firing, he ordered.

The chief minister has also constituted a committee, which will set conditions for preparation of kites and twine to eliminate the risk of any harm. It would also consider a ban on the sale of metal wire and other harmful varieties of twine. The government would introduce a law to regulate the sport in the light of the committee's recommendations.

BARANI AREAS: The chief minister has also constituted a body to examine socio-economic conditions of the Barani areas and recommend a package for their betterment within three months.