Criminal action sought against officials over deaths, injuries during Basant

Petitioner contended that Basant festival turned into a deadly threat for citizens rather than a celebration

LAHORE:

A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court seeking criminal proceedings against responsible officers over six deaths and injuries to 124 citizens during the Basant celebrations.

The petition, submitted by Judicial Activism Panel head Azhar Siddique, states that according to the Punjab Home Department’s official data, six people lost their lives and 124 others were injured, contradicting the government’s claims of a “safe Basant”.

Lahore marked the conclusion of the Basant with widespread celebrations across the city, as skies filled with colourful kites and residents gathered on rooftops, streets, and public spaces to welcome spring in a display of tradition, endurance, and cautious celebration under tight security.

Read: Basant concludes with heavy turnout, tight security

The Punjab government had granted special permission for Basant to be celebrated from February 6 to 8, limiting the festival strictly to Lahore under an extensive web of legal, administrative, and safety controls aimed at preventing the loss of life that previously led to its ban.

The petitioner contended that the Basant festival has turned into a deadly threat for citizens rather than a celebration. Dozens of children were injured in incidents involving falls from rooftops and while climbing electricity poles.

The plea further maintained that state institutions failed to prevent the manufacture, transportation, and sale of hazardous kite string (killer string), amounting to gross negligence.

Read more: City receives 900k vehicles during Basant

The court has been requested to order criminal and departmental action against the negligent officials, constitute a judicial commission to assess the losses caused during Basant, and ensure strict enforcement of laws banning the production, supply, sale, and use of killer kite string.