LAHORE, Nov 11: Commissioner Jawad Rafique Malik has engaged the Punjab Police's special branch wing to identify those involved in manufacturing of kites and string in order to avoid any accident in future in Lahore and adjoining districts.

“The administration will not tolerate any further untoward incident like the recent death of a man due to a string. That's why we have engaged the special branch officials to identify those involved in such a horrible business,” the commissioner said while presiding over a meeting here on Friday.

He directed the town officials to immediately inform the town municipal officer and the police station concerned in case they see kite flying in any part of the city. He further directed the officials to immediately get removed kites/strings hanging on electricity poles.

Mr Malik asked the officials to form special squads in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura and Kasur for paying regular visits to city areas. “The officials should also get Mohallah committees activated to make the people avoid kite flying.”

“As directed by the government we will soon launch an awareness campaign about the damage of kite flying to people,” he said, adding that a ban had also been imposed on supply of kites/string from adjoining districts,” he added.

suspended: Taking notice of a motorcyclist's death due to kite string in Sabzazar, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has ordered suspension from service of the area DSP, SHO and TMO concerned.

According to a handout issued on Friday, the chief minister warned the district administration that in case of recurrence of such an incident or violation of the ban on kite flying, the officials concerned would not be spared.

Mr Sharif was presiding over a meeting attended by MNA Mian Marghoob, the commissioner, the DCO and the CCPO to seek details of the death of Asif, who was sole bread winner of his family.

The chief minister said a ban had been imposed three years ago on kite flying to save human lives and the death of the poor man due to violation of the ban was unfortunate.

He directed the officials concerned that the ban must be enforced strictly and the violators be taken to task.

He said committees at mohallah level be activated for pointing out kite sellers and the elements involved in kite flying. DCO:

Lahore DCO Ahad Cheema on Friday imposed Section 144 in and around the examination halls till Nov 14.