RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Post on Tuesday directed strict monitoring of postal, courier and online delivery networks across Punjab to prevent the transportation and delivery of kites and prohibited kite strings ahead of Basant 2027, directing staff to report suspected violations to the police immediately.

The directives follow a high-level meeting convened by the Punjab government to review arrangements for Basant 2027, attended by representatives of government departments, law enforcement agencies, Pakistan Post and courier companies. Participants agreed to strengthen surveillance and ensure prompt action against violations to protect human lives.

In a letter issued by the Postmaster General, Central Punjab Circle, officials were instructed to closely monitor the movement, storage, sale and distribution of kites and dangerous strings, particularly metallic wires and metal-coated kite strings.

The letter stated that the transportation and delivery of kites and kite strings are prohibited in Punjab through all channels, including postal services, courier companies and online delivery platforms. Relevant offices and staff have been directed to take effective measures to prevent attempts to book, dispatch or deliver prohibited materials.

The directives also require the immediate reporting of suspected prohibited items to the nearest police station. Transport operators, courier companies and online delivery services have been specifically urged to cooperate in identifying and reporting such consignments.

To improve coordination, the letter calls for the creation of dedicated WhatsApp groups for the timely exchange of information among relevant departments and swift action against violations.

Pakistan Post staff have further been instructed to identify individuals attempting to book or dispatch prohibited materials and report such cases promptly to the relevant authorities, including the office of the deputy commissioner.

The letter emphasised that protecting human lives is a shared responsibility, urging government departments, law enforcement agencies, transport operators, courier services, online delivery platforms and the public to help prevent the circulation and transportation of dangerous or unauthorised kite-flying materials.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2026