The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs on Monday cleared the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill 2025, proposing a near-total ban on kite-flying, except on specific days and designated locations across the province, with strict penalties to curb fatal accidents and property damage.
Under the bill, flying kites with metallic wires, nylon cord or strings coated with glass or other sharp materials is prohibited, along with the manufacturing, transport, storage and sale of kites and hazardous strings.
Violators involved in kite-flying could face three to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 2 million, while those manufacturing or selling banned materials may be punished with five to seven years in jail and fines up to Rs 5m. All offences under the proposed law will be cognisable and non-bailable. The bill empowers deputy commissioners to allow “permissible kite-flying” on specific days and at designated locations, subject to government approval and strict conditions. However, the use of sharp or metallic strings will remain banned under all circumstances.
Special provisions are included in the bill that deal with children involved in kite-flying. Minors will be tried under the Juvenile Justice System Act and be fined Rs50,000 for the first offence and Rs100,000 for repeat violations, with parents or guardians held financially responsible in case of default.
The proposed law also introduces the mandatory registration of kite manufacturers, traders and sellers of permissible kite-flying material, as well as kite-flying associations. Police officers not below the rank of sub-inspector will be empowered to arrest offenders without a warrant, conduct searches and seize illegal materials.
To encourage enforcement, the bill includes a whistleblower reward of up to Rs5,000 for providing credible information about violations. If passed by the provincial assembly, the new law will repeal earlier kite-flying ordinances and establish a uniform, province-wide regulatory framework aimed at protecting lives and public safety.
Kite Flying Ordinance challenged
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed respondents, including the Punjab government and IGP Punjab, to submit their replies in the Kyte Flying Ordinance, 2025 case by December 22. Justice Owais heard the petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel against the ordinance under which permission was granted to celebrate the festival of Basant.