The Punjab government has taken a drastic step to curb kite-flying related casualties by immediately enforcing a stringent new law across the province. The Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025 was promulgated on December 1 to regulate the activity, restrict hazardous materials, and prevent loss of life and property.
Urgent Legal Intervention Amid Rising Deaths
Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan approved the ordinance, which was issued by Law Secretary Muhammad Asif Balal Lodhi. This move came after the Governor determined an urgent need for legal action while the Provincial Assembly was not in session. The decision follows a worrying increase in fatalities and injuries linked to sharp kite strings, especially metallic wires and chemically coated maanjha used during peak seasons.
Authorities state the fresh rules aim to curb hazardous materials ahead of the winter and spring months when kite-related incidents typically surge. The ordinance formally repeals the older Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying Ordinance 2001, though actions taken under the previous law remain valid.
Severe Punishments and Key Provisions
The law introduces harsh penalties for violators. Flying a kite or assisting in kite flying without permission can lead to three to five years in prison and fines up to Rs2 million. The penalties are even stricter for manufacturing or trading banned strings or kites, carrying five to seven years imprisonment and fines up to Rs5 million.
All offences under this ordinance are non-bailable and cognizable, granting police the power to arrest without a warrant. For juvenile offenders, the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018 will apply, with fines of Rs50,000 for the first offence and Rs100,000 for repeats; unpaid fines will be recovered from parents or guardians.
New Rules for Manufacturers and Whistle-Blowers
The ordinance establishes a registration system for the kite trade. Manufacturers and traders must now register with the Deputy Commissioner to legally produce or sell permissible materials. Operating without registration risks up to five years in jail and fines of Rs500,000.
The government has also included whistle-blower protections to encourage reporting. However, no reward will be given for information already known to authorities or deemed unhelpful. The provincial government and the Home Department's Secretary are authorized to issue further implementation rules via the official Gazette.
This new regulatory framework aims to allow kite flying only under strictly controlled settings. The ultimate goals are to reduce injuries, improve oversight, and strengthen accountability to make the seasonal tradition safer for everyone in Punjab.
