A tragic incident in Lahore has once again raised serious concerns about illegal kite flying and the dangers of chemical kite strings.
A 10-year-old boy was badly injured after a sharp kite string struck his neck while he was playing with friends in Valencia Town, Lahore. The incident happened in L-Block, where kite flying is strictly banned.
What Happened
The child, identified as Mustafa Afandi, was outdoors when a kite string suddenly cut into his neck. People nearby rushed to help him and he was taken to a nearby hospital immediately.
Doctors provided emergency treatment and confirmed later that his condition was stable. Thankfully, Mustafa was discharged the same evening and is now out of danger.
Key Details of the Incident
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim Name | Mustafa Afandi |
| Age | 10 years old |
| Location | L-Block, Valencia Town, Lahore |
| Injury Cause | Chemical kite string |
| Current Condition | Out of danger, discharged |
Police Action Against Illegal Kite Flying
Following the incident, Lahore police intensified their crackdown on illegal kite sellers across the city.
Police conducted raids in Shahdara Town and Ravi Road areas, arresting 11 people involved in selling banned kites and chemical strings.
Items Recovered During Raids
| Area | Arrests | Kites Seized | Chemical String Reels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shahdara Town | 6 | 900 | 17 |
| Ravi Road | 5 | 620 | 10 |
| Total | 11 | 1,520 | 27 |
According to police officials, the suspects were using loader trucks, rickshaws, and other vehicles to distribute kites across the city. Separate cases have been registered against all those arrested.
Authorities Warn of Zero Tolerance
DIG Operations Faisal Kamran took strict notice of the incident and ordered authorities to identify people involved in illegal kite flying using Safe City cameras.
He directed police to strengthen monitoring and increase raids throughout Lahore. The DIG made it clear that kite flying is completely banned except on officially approved days.
He warned that violations of the Kite Flying Act are life-threatening and said that a zero-tolerance policy is being enforced to protect citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is kite flying banned in Lahore?
Kite flying is banned because chemical kite strings are extremely dangerous and have caused many serious injuries and deaths over the years.
What is chemical kite string?
It is a sharp, glass-coated string that can easily cut skin, causing severe injuries, especially to children and motorcyclists.
Is kite flying allowed on any day?
Yes, but only on officially permitted days announced by authorities. Flying kites on other days is illegal.
What action is taken against violators?
Police arrest those involved, seize kites and strings, and register criminal cases under the Kite Flying Act.
Conclusion
The injury of a young child in Valencia Town is a painful reminder of how dangerous illegal kite flying can be. While police actions and arrests are a positive step, public awareness and cooperation are equally important.
Protecting lives must come before entertainment. Strict enforcement of the law and responsible behavior from citizens are necessary to prevent such incidents from happening again.
Rana Shahriyar is a dedicated content writer and contributor at 8171 Rashan Program. With a strong interest in social welfare programs and government initiatives, his work focuses on delivering clear, reliable, and easy to understand information for the public.