High on defiance: Pakistan kite fest goes on despite ban

Youths flying kites on a rooftop during the Basant Kite Festival in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on Feb 18 despite a ban imposed by authorities in 2007 following a spate of accidents. Photo: Farooq Naeem/AFP

Hundreds of Pakistani youths flew kites from rooftops in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Feb 18, celebrating an ancient colourful festival despite a ban imposed by authorities in 2007 following a spate of accidents.

Enthusiasts have in the past used acid-soaked string and piano wire in kite-fighting battles, causing terrible injuries to people caught by tangles across roads – including slitting the throats of motorcyclists.