Kite flying, manufacturing and Maanjha sale banned for 2 months in Karachi

Kite flying, kite manufacturing and kite string sales have been banned for 2 months in Karachi.

Commissioner Karachi Muhammad Saleem Rajput imposed a two-month ban on kite-flying to reduce tragic incidents related to deadly loose kite strings and ensure the safety of citizens in the metropolis.

Commissioner Karachi said that the decision was made in response to the use of hazardous metal strings during kite flying, posing significant risks to the safety of citizens.

According to the notification issued on Saturday, a complete ban has been imposed on “manufacturing/selling of kites, sharp Maanjha, metallic wire and nylon cord as well as flying of kites within the territorial limits of Karachi Division for a period of two months w.e.f March 30, 2024, to May 29, 2024.”

The ban was imposed under Section 144 of the CrPC which empowers the district administration to issue orders in the public interest that may place a ban on an activity for a specific period, the notification added.

Kite flying was first banned in Pakistan in 2007 following the deaths of hundreds of people, mostly children.

However, the ban was briefly lifted in 2018 but immediately reimposed following dozens of casualties.

The deaths and injuries are mostly caused by the sharp glass or metal-coated strings used to detach kites during kite fights.