LAHORE:
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed that the Director General of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (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 proposals to revive Basant had initially been initiated by the WCLA chief. “Essentially, DG Walled City must be made a respondent,” the judge observed.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that the case involves urgent public safety concerns and should be decided without delay.
The court expressed displeasure at the late arrival of the government’s counsel and stressed that all parties must be fully prepared when dealing with a case that poses a risk to human life.
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that the government is putting the citizens at risk by trying to reintroduce kite flying through the new ordinance.
He claimed that despite previous legislation in 2001 and 2024, fatal incidents caused by metal and chemically coated kite strings have continued.
He further argued that the newly introduced legislative framework is against the public interest and may lead to additional victims. Siddique urged the court to summon complete data on past deaths, FIRs and enforcement actions related to kite flying.
“The government must be held responsible for any loss of life due to the revival of kite flying,” he maintained and requested that the amended ordinance be struck down.
Justice Khalid advised the petitioner to first include all relevant authorities as respondents before making arguments. The hearing was adjourned until December 10.
