17 reported dead in Basant festivities; LHC seeks injury details

The Punjab Home Department told the LHC that 17 people died during the recent three-day basant festival held in Lahore, after the government lifted the two-decade ban under strict safety rules.

According to a report, submitted to Justice Malik Owais Khalid, officials said three people died from electrocution, two died after falling from trees, and 12 lost their lives after falling from rooftops while taking part in basant.

However, the festival’s revival, permitted under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025 with tightly regulated kite string standards, safe flying zones, and safety measures such as protective rods for motorcycles, was intended to minimize past dangers associated with sharp, metallic kite strings.

However, the Home Department mentioned more than 100 basant-related accidents in its report to the court.

Moreover, during the hearing, the LHC also pressed authorities for comprehensive data on injuries caused by kite strings, a figure that was not included in the report, according to petitioner’s lawyer Advocate Azhar Siddique.

Petitioners had sought detailed figures on both fatalities and injuries, as well as accountability and the costs involved in Basant celebrations. 

The court has adjourned the hearing until next week and directed the Punjab Home Secretary to submit full injury details.