n***@bigmailbox.net
2006-01-05 01:32:48 UTC
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006\01\04\story_4-1-2006_pg3_1
Daily Times, Lahore, Pakistan
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
EDITORIAL
Punjab's new approach to kite-flying
The Punjab chief minister, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, has ordered
amendments to the Punjab Prohibition of Dangerous Kite-flying
Activities law in light of the Supreme Court decision that strict
enforcement of laws against dangerous kite-flying has to be ensured
through a new ordinance. With good sense, he has not neglected a
community of kite manufacturers who stand to suffer economic loss. He
has asked the law secretary to prepare draft amendments to the law
"as early as possible" to permit only a limited period of
kite-flying during Basant for the recreation of citizens and for the
provision of means of livelihood to the people associated with the
industry.
There was a surge of anger amongst the public against kite-fliers
breaking the law by using metal lines, causing electricity breakdowns
and injuring citizens on the roads in the big cities of Punjab.
Unfortunately the government failed to lay its hands on the offenders,
so that in the end the activity had to be banned altogether. This was
the easy way out because the government simply closed down the kite
manufacturing industry. But like the ban on wedding meals, it was a law
against the economy and had to be rationalised. It is now going to be
rationalised by permitting kite-flying for a restricted period.
However, kite-flying is an all-seasons hobby in the province, providing
sport and livelihood to a large population. Therefore, in the final
analysis, the state must go back to doing what it is duty-bound to do:
catch the offenders, let the non-offenders ply their trade and not ban
the joyful and profitable activity.
Daily Times, Lahore, Pakistan
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
EDITORIAL
Punjab's new approach to kite-flying
The Punjab chief minister, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, has ordered
amendments to the Punjab Prohibition of Dangerous Kite-flying
Activities law in light of the Supreme Court decision that strict
enforcement of laws against dangerous kite-flying has to be ensured
through a new ordinance. With good sense, he has not neglected a
community of kite manufacturers who stand to suffer economic loss. He
has asked the law secretary to prepare draft amendments to the law
"as early as possible" to permit only a limited period of
kite-flying during Basant for the recreation of citizens and for the
provision of means of livelihood to the people associated with the
industry.
There was a surge of anger amongst the public against kite-fliers
breaking the law by using metal lines, causing electricity breakdowns
and injuring citizens on the roads in the big cities of Punjab.
Unfortunately the government failed to lay its hands on the offenders,
so that in the end the activity had to be banned altogether. This was
the easy way out because the government simply closed down the kite
manufacturing industry. But like the ban on wedding meals, it was a law
against the economy and had to be rationalised. It is now going to be
rationalised by permitting kite-flying for a restricted period.
However, kite-flying is an all-seasons hobby in the province, providing
sport and livelihood to a large population. Therefore, in the final
analysis, the state must go back to doing what it is duty-bound to do:
catch the offenders, let the non-offenders ply their trade and not ban
the joyful and profitable activity.
