Three people died from electric shock, while 14 others lost their lives after falling from trees and rooftops
LAHORE:
The Punjab government has informed the Lahore High Court that at least 17 people lost their lives during the Basant festival in Lahore.
According to a report submitted by the provincial interior ministry, three people died of electric shock while two others fell from trees during the celebration. Most deaths, 12 in total, were due to falls from rooftops.
During the hearing, the court also requested extensive details regarding people who were injured by kite strings during the festival. The petitioner’s lawyer, Azhar Siddique, pointed out that no data had been produced on those injured by kite strings.
Justice Awais Khalid was hearing petitions filed by the Judicial Activism Panel and others requesting the court to direct authorities to provide full details of deaths and injuries during Basant celebrations.
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The petitioners also challenged the Kite Flying Act 2025 and sought a declaration from the court that the Act was illegal and sought details of damages and expenses incurred in connection with the festival.
The petitioners, including PTI MPA Sheikh Imtiaz, asked the court for a record of those injured during Basant and sought a response from the Punjab Home Minister regarding a miscellaneous application for official expenses for the event.
Advocate Siddique urged the court to direct the Punjab government to provide comprehensive data on the injured. The petitioners’ lawyers have been summoned to present arguments at the next hearing.
Basant was celebrated in Lahore from 6 to 8 February. Despite the introduction of an extensive network of legal, administrative and security controls, several people lost their lives during the event, prompting citizens to go to court to seek criminal charges against the authorities.
