Lahore: A 21-year-old motorcyclist lost his life in a tragic incident in Lahore after a stray kite string—known locally as dor—slit his throat while he was riding through the city. The incident occurred in the Nawan Kot area, once again raising questions about the enforcement of the province-wide ban on kite flying.

According to Lahore Police, the victim, identified as Nauman, was riding his motorcycle when the razor-sharp string became entangled around his neck. The sudden impact caused a deep cut that led to excessive bleeding. Passersby rushed to help and shifted him to a nearby hospital, but despite emergency medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

Police officials said initial investigations suggest that the string may have been from an illegally flown kite in the area. The string—often coated with metallic or glass powder to enhance its sharpness—proved fatal for the young man. Authorities have since launched an investigation to locate those responsible for violating the ban.

“This is not just an accident; it’s a result of criminal negligence,” a police spokesperson said. “Despite repeated crackdowns and public awareness campaigns, some individuals continue to endanger lives by flying kites with deadly strings. We will ensure those responsible face strict legal consequences.”

The tragic death has reignited public anger over the government’s inability to curb kite flying, a dangerous yet popular pastime in parts of Punjab, especially in Lahore. Every year, several people—mostly motorcyclists—lose their lives or sustain serious injuries due to metallic kite strings that hang across roads.

Eyewitnesses from Nawan Kot described the horrifying scene. “He was driving normally when suddenly his bike wobbled and he fell. When we reached him, his neck was bleeding heavily, and there was a string tangled around it,” said one local resident.

Police officials confirmed that a special team has been formed to identify those involved in kite flying in the vicinity. Raids are expected in nearby neighborhoods where residents have reported frequent violations of the ban.

Kite flying was banned across Punjab years ago after numerous fatal incidents, but despite strict laws, it continues clandestinely. Under the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying (Amendment) Act, violators can face imprisonment of up to two years and heavy fines, while police officials failing to enforce the ban may also face disciplinary action.

Social media has been flooded with messages of outrage and grief since the news of Nauman’s death broke. Many users criticized the authorities for their “ineffective enforcement” of the kite-flying ban. “How many more lives will it take before the government truly enforces this law?” one post read.

Local activists also urged the administration to act more aggressively. “These incidents have become routine, yet no meaningful steps are being taken to stop illegal kite flying. The government must not wait for Basant season to take notice,” said a Lahore-based civil rights campaigner.

Medical professionals at the hospital where Nauman was taken described the injury as fatal upon arrival. “The cut was deep and had damaged the main artery. Even a few seconds of delay can be the difference between life and death in such cases,” one doctor stated.

Police say an FIR (First Information Report) has been registered against unidentified persons under relevant sections of the law, and surveillance footage from the area is being reviewed to track down those involved in the illegal activity.

Meanwhile, Punjab’s interim government has reportedly instructed the police to intensify their campaign against the use and sale of kite-flying materials. Kite string (dor) coated with glass or metallic substances—often imported illegally—remains the biggest safety hazard for riders and pedestrians alike.

Residents of Nawan Kot have appealed to the authorities to ensure that such tragedies do not recur. “Every year, we hear the same promises and the same condolences, but nothing changes,” said one grieving neighbor.

The young victim, Nauman, was reportedly the only son of his parents. His sudden death has plunged his family into deep mourning. A relative told reporters that he had stepped out for a short errand when the accident occurred.