ISLAMABAD, March 2: The Supreme Court on Thursday extended for another five days its earlier 15-day kite flying relaxation by refixing the period from March 1 to 15 to facilitate Jashn-i- Baharan (basant) festivities.

The five-day extension was granted on the request of the Punjab government during an in-chamber hearing by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry. Advocate General Punjab Chaudhry Aftab Iqbal represented the provincial government. Earlier the apex court had allowed kite flying from Feb 25 to March 10.

CJ also took serious notice of reports in the media suggesting that the law enforcing agencies had failed to control kite flying activities with sharp “Manjhaa” due to which two persons had died.

CJ again ordered all concerned authorities to implement in letter and spirit earlier court’s order and all persons responsible for violating the ban should be proceeded against accordingly.

The Punjab government was also directed to conclude Jashn-i- Baharan festival within the stipulated period after which there should be complete ban on kite flying from March 16.

Inspector General Punjab and other concerned authorities have also been directed to send reports regarding violation of the ban.

During the chamber hearing, the Advocate General of Punjab said that the provincial government could not issue notification to celebrate Jashn-i-Baharan on March 4 to 5 in pursuance of apex court’s earlier orders because of hectic engagements including handling of protest rallies against the publishing of blasphemous cartoons and law and order situation.

He contended that the government earns a considerable amount of foreign exchange during the celebrations as a number of guests arrived from outside to participate in the festivities.

Besides it will not be possible for the persons engaged in the kite flying industry to clear their stock during these days, therefore, AGP stated, permission should be accorded to the provincial government to extend the period of kite flying activities up to March 15.

The Punjab government will shortly issue notification to celebrate Jashn-i-Baharan during the period for the entire province.

Earlier the Supreme Court bench had banned kite flying and kite manufacturing especially in Punjab. Later the Punjab government promulgated an ordinance “Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying (Amendment) Ordinance 2006” allowing kite flying and kite manufacturers to produce kites and string during a 15-day period.