Residents of Rawalpindi ignored the kite-flying ban on Friday, celebrating Basant by flying kites from rooftops and chanting “Bo Kata” despite safety concerns and ongoing police crackdowns.
Authorities reported that at least seven people sustained cuts from kite strings across the city, while a 35-year-old man was critically injured by a stray bullet, allegedly fired during celebratory gunfire. He was taken to the District Headquarters Hospital, Rawalpindi, for treatment.
Children chasing stray kites caused traffic slowdowns in areas including Raja Bazaar, Pirwadhai, and Sadiqabad, forcing motorists, particularly motorcyclists, to be cautious on busy roads.
Police registered cases against kite sellers and flyers and arrested several individuals, recovering hundreds of kites and reels of string. Despite this, residents continued flying kites from rooftops, with many reportedly buying kites online because of strict market enforcement.
Some locals complained of discrimination, pointing out that Basant celebrations recently took place in Lahore after authorities allowed limited festivities there, which led many in Rawalpindi to ignore restrictions.
The Government of Punjab has upheld the ban, citing safety risks as kite strings often cause injuries and accidents. Public opinion remains divided, with many supporting strict enforcement to prevent further harm.