ISLAMABAD, Feb 28: Complying with the orders of the Supreme Court, the capital administration on Wednesday imposed complete ban on selling and flying of kites in the city.

However, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning to observe Basant in mid-March under annual spring festival.

The ban on kite flying covers manufacture and sale of kites, string, sharp “Manjha”, metal wire and nylon cord.

According to the order, the owners and occupants of houses, shops, hospitals and buildings would not allow kite-flying on their roof tops.

The order comes into force with immediate effect and would remain in force for two months.

The apex court has recently banned kite flying in the country in view of increasing kite flying-related deaths. But Punjab governor passed an order giving two days relaxation for celebrating Basant in Lahore and other major cities on February 24-25.

Unfortunately, some 11 people including seven children lost their lives only in Lahore during the two-day festival mainly due to chemical-coated and metal cords.

When contacted, the deputy commissioner Islamabad, Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, said the ban had been enforced for the safety of the general public and for ensuring peace and tranquillity in the federal capital.

Some of the kite lovers said a few years back it was very interesting game and good pastime when chemical-coated and metal cords had not been used. “At that time the deaths were very rare even during Basant festival but now the cases of throat slitting due to metal and chemical-coated strings are reported from all the places where this festival is celebrated,” they said.

They were of the view that instead of banning the whole festivity, the authorities concerned should stop making and selling of “deadly” string.— Staff Reporter