LAHORE:
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday ordered that the Director General of the Walled City Authority of Lahore (WCLA) be made a necessary respondent in a petition challenging the Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025.
Justice Muhammad Awais Khalid, while hearing the case, noted that the proposals to revive Basant were initially initiated by the WCLA chief. “Fundamentally, the DG Fortified City must be blamed,” underlined the judge.
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that the matter raises urgent public safety concerns and should be resolved without delay.
The court expressed dissatisfaction with the late arrival of the government lawyer, emphasizing that all parties must be fully prepared when dealing with a case that poses risks to human life.
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that the government was putting citizens at risk by attempting to reintroduce kite flying through the new ordinance.
He argued that despite previous laws from 2001 and 2024, fatal incidents caused by metal and chemically coated kite strings have persisted.
He further argued that the new regulatory framework was against the public interest and could lead to further losses. Siddique urged the court to gather comprehensive data on past deaths, FIRs and coercive action related to kite flying.
“The government must be held responsible for any loss of life resulting from the resumption of kite flying,” he argued, seeking quashing of the amended order.
Justice Khalid advised the petitioner to first include all relevant authorities as respondents before presenting his arguments. The hearing was adjourned until December 10.
