RAWALPINDI: Despite a ban on kite flying, the residents of Rawalpindi took advantage of the clear skies and celebrated Basant. The sky was speckled with colourful kites and gunshots could be heard every now and then, including from sensitive areas, such as around the Benazir Bhutto International Airport.
Locals from downtown Rawalpindi had wanted to celebrate Basant last week, but could not because of the recent spells of rain. They certainly were not stopped by the government’s ban on kite flying and on the sale of kite flying material.
“Kites are not sold openly in shops and most people sell them from their homes,” Abdur Rehman, a resident of Sarafa Bazaar said.
Citizens say kites and strings are being black-marketed in residential areas as shops no longer sell them
He said those who wanted to celebrate Basant knew where to get their kites from.
“The prices of kites and strings have increased due to the ban on them. The string is available for between Rs500 and Rs1,000 per 100 metres and a kite is sold for Rs40 or Rs50 each,” he said.
A local of Allahabad, Mohammad Umair, said kites were sold at Raja Bazaar and its adjoining areas. He said to avoid being caught, people buy many kites and lots of strings and then sell them on to their neighbours and friends so they don’t have to make a trip.
During the celebrations, some of those who participated sustained cuts from chemical coated strings and others were taken to the hospital when they fell from their roofs.
Deputy medical superintendent (DMS) at the District Headquarters Hospital Dr Mohammad Ashraf said 12 patients were treated at the hospital for minor cuts from strings and were discharged and nine people were treated for bullet injuries.