Authorities in Rawalpindi have stepped up efforts to strictly enforce the long-standing ban on kite flying, issuing detailed operational guidelines to curb the illegal activity ahead of seasonal spikes. A senior police official has approved a comprehensive 37-point directive aimed at ensuring zero tolerance against violators across the district.

According to the instructions, police officers have been directed to immediately register cases against anyone found involved in kite flying, selling kites, manufacturing strings, or facilitating the activity in any form. The move reflects growing concerns over public safety, as kite flying—particularly with metallic or chemical-coated strings—has repeatedly resulted in serious injuries, fatalities, and damage to infrastructure.

The guidelines place special responsibility on local police stations to actively monitor their jurisdictions. Officers have been instructed to identify hotspots, conduct regular patrols, and take preventive action rather than waiting for complaints. Any negligence or delay in enforcement may result in disciplinary action against responsible officials.

A key component of the directive involves accountability beyond individual offenders. Owners of high-rise buildings have been ordered to submit surety bonds, formally declaring that their properties will not be used for kite flying. These bonds are intended to deter rooftop access for illegal activities and make property owners legally responsible for violations occurring on their premises.

Similarly, kite sellers, suppliers of string, and individuals with previous records related to kite flying offenses have been instructed to submit written guarantees. These surety bonds confirm that they will neither engage in nor support kite-related activities. Police have been tasked with maintaining updated records of such individuals within each police station’s jurisdiction.

The guidelines also emphasize coordination with local administrations and community representatives. Police have been encouraged to engage with neighborhood committees and traders’ associations to raise awareness about the legal consequences of kite flying and the risks it poses to public safety.

Officials noted that past enforcement drives often lost momentum due to lack of follow-up and weak monitoring. The new framework aims to close those gaps by assigning clear responsibilities and establishing a uniform enforcement mechanism across Rawalpindi.

Kite flying has been banned in Punjab for several years, yet violations tend to increase during festive seasons and weekends. Authorities say the renewed crackdown is necessary to prevent accidents involving pedestrians, motorcyclists, and utility workers, many of whom have been seriously injured by sharp strings.

Police have urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement and report any violations through designated channels. They stressed that public participation is essential to making the ban effective and protecting lives.

With the issuance of these strict guidelines, Rawalpindi police aim to send a clear message that kite flying will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The administration hopes that consistent enforcement and community involvement will finally bring an end to an activity that has repeatedly proven dangerous despite its cultural roots.