17 fatalities during Basant celebrations reported to Lahore High Court

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department informed the Lahore High Court on Wednesday that at least 17 people lost their lives during the three-day Basant festival held in Lahore from February 6 to 8.

A detailed report submitted by a provincial official stated that the deaths occurred due to electrocution and falls from rooftops and trees during the celebrations.

The court was hearing petitions seeking comprehensive information on damages and public expenditures linked to the festival. During proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the report did not specify how many individuals died after being injured by kite strings. He further maintained that data regarding the number of injured persons had not been provided.

“Basant has turned into a serious public safety risk rather than a celebration,” the petitioner argued, adding that numerous children were hurt after falling from rooftops.

The petition also urged the court to initiate criminal and departmental proceedings against officials over alleged negligence and called for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the reported losses. The court subsequently issued notices to the relevant authorities, directing them to submit details of government spending on the event.

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction over the administrative arrangements and security measures during the festival, commending citizens for maintaining order.

She stressed that restrictions on kite flying would be reimposed following the festival and directed authorities to strictly implement safety protocols. Residents of Lahore marked Basant 2026 under stringent standard operating procedures during the officially sanctioned three-day event — the first such celebration in 25 years.

The provincial government had announced the festival from February 6 to 8 under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2025.