Three people died of electrocution, 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 home department, three individuals died of electrocution, while two others fell from trees during the celebrations. The majority of fatalities, 12 in total, resulted from falls from rooftops.
During the hearing, the court also requested comprehensive details regarding individuals injured by kite strings during the festival. Petitioner’s counsel, Azhar Siddique, pointed out that no data had been provided on those injured by kite strings.
Justice Awais Khalid heard petitions filed by the Judicial Activism Panel and others, requesting the court direct authorities to provide complete details of deaths and injuries during Basant celebrations.
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The petitioners also challenged the Kite Flying Act of 2025, seeking a declaration from the court that the law was unlawful, and requested details of injuries and expenditures related to 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 secretary regarding a miscellaneous application on official expenditures for the event.
Advocate Siddique urged the court to instruct the Punjab government to provide comprehensive data on the injured. The petitioners’ counsels have been summoned to present arguments at the next hearing.
Basant was celebrated in Lahore from February 6 to 8. Despite the introduction of an extensive network of legal, administrative, and safety controls, several people lost their lives during the event, prompting citizens to approach the court seeking criminal action against the authorities.
