LAHORE:The Punjab Home Department has introduced comprehensive safety protocols for kite-flying activities scheduled for 2027, emphasizing the importance of public safety. The new rules authorize district officials to inspect properties, halt activities on unsafe rooftops, and close or seal locations that violate the regulations.
The guidelines aim to safeguard lives during permitted kite-flying events in designated districts. In a formal notification issued on April 24, 2026, the department stated that these measures are enacted under Section 16 of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act, 2025, alongside Regulation 23 of the Punjab Kite Flying Regulations, 2025.
Key provisions include the ban on using structurally unstable rooftops for kite-flying. Property owners are responsible for ensuring rooftops are structurally sound and capable of supporting the number of people present. Additionally, rooftop parapets must be at least 3.5 feet high to prevent accidental falls.
Deputy commissioners are authorized to inspect older or fragile buildings, with the power to prohibit kite-flying from rooftops deemed unsafe. The regulations strictly prohibit overcrowding and specify that kite-flying should not occur during adverse weather conditions such as strong winds, rain, thunderstorms, or poor visibility.
The safety of children is prioritized, with parents and guardians tasked with children’s protection. Property owners and managers must guarantee proper safety measures are in place. The use of loud music, DJ systems, or any high-volume sound devices during kite-flying is also forbidden.
Authorized personnel from the district administration, police, and related agencies will have the authority to conduct inspections of potential kite-flying sites. Obstructing these officials may lead to legal action.
Additional safety directives include:
– Repairing damaged parapets, staircases, and rooftops before use;
– Cleaning rooftops that are wet or dusty;
– Securing or avoiding rooftops near live electrical wires;
– Banning running, jumping, leaning over edges, and aggressive kite-catching behaviors;
– Prohibiting mobile phone use near rooftop edges if it causes distraction;
– Keeping inflammable materials away from rooftops during kite-flying;
– Enforcing disciplined use of staircases;
– Keeping first-aid kits on-site and displaying emergency contact numbers prominently;
– Reporting unsafe practices or illegal activities to local authorities or the Police Emergency Helpline 15.
The department specified that all safety measures must be fully implemented by December 31 of the year prior to any scheduled kite-flying events. Citizens are strongly urged to prioritize human safety over recreational activities at all times.
