A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking strict enforcement of the ban on chemical-coated kite string, commonly known as manjha, amid growing concerns over public safety and recurring injuries.
According to the petition, the sale and use of chemical-coated kite string continues unabated despite a clear legal ban, constituting a violation of Articles 9, 14 and 15 of the Constitution.
The petitioner informed the court that a young man was recently seriously injured when a chemical-coated string slit his throat, causing severe bleeding.
The injured youth was rushed to Mayo Hospital for emergency treatment, highlighting what the petitioner described as the deadly consequences of weak enforcement.
The petition urged the court to direct the authorities to take effective and visible action against people involved in the use, sale and distribution of illegal chemical-coated string, warning that further delays could result in loss of more innocent lives.
The plea follows a recent incident reported by 24NewsHD TV, in which a kite string critically injured a 24-year-old youth, Bilal Aslam, in Lahore’s Shadbagh area.
The accident occurred at Tokewala Chowk, where the string struck his neck, causing a deep wound to the jugular vein. After receiving first aid, he was shifted to Mayo Hospital in critical condition.
Earlier, on January 18, Lahore police intercepted the sale of more than 100 colourful kites and several reels of illegal chemical-coated string in Badami Bagh.
A kite vendor, identified as Nasir, was arrested for allegedly supplying kites and banned string across various parts of the city.
The issue has gained renewed attention following the Punjab government’s introduction of a new and stringent kite-flying law on December 15, 2025, replacing the previous legislation.
The law, approved by the Punjab Cabinet, criminalises kite flying without official permission and imposes a complete ban on the manufacture, sale and use of chemical-coated nylon and metal strings.
Under the revised framework, kite flying is permitted only on designated days and in specified areas with prior approval from the district administration.
The Punjab government has announced a three-day Basant festival in Lahore from February 6 to 8 under strict regulations, while kite flying remains prohibited on all other days.
Despite these measures, recurring incidents linked to illegal manjha continue to raise serious questions about enforcement and public safety ahead of the festival season.