LHC seeks replies over Basant casualties

Petitioner's counsel says judicial directions helped lower damage

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court has sought replies from the federal government, the capital city police officer (CCPO) and the Punjab home secretary on a petition seeking action against officials whose alleged negligence caused deaths of six people and injuries to 124 others during Basant celebrations.

During the hearing by Justice Awais Khalid, a law officer informed the court that improved government measures had been taken.

However, the counsel for the petitioner argued that less casualties had been caused due to court intervention and judicial directions had compelled all relevant institutions to act in coordination. He maintained that the objective of the petition was to prevent the holding of a dangerous Basant.

The counsel submitted that despite court orders and administrative arrangements, six people had lost their lives and 124 others had been injured in various incidents during the festival. He stated that banned metallic reels and chemical-coated kite string were still used.

He also said videos showing the use of charkhi by political figures, including Ayaz Sadiq and Hamza Shehbaz, had surfaced on social media.

The court was requested to direct the federal government to submit its response as well.

The petition moved by Judicial Activism Panel Chairman Azhar Siddique stated that, according to data released by the Punjab Home Department, six people had lost their lives and 124 others had been injured, contradicting government's claims of organising a "safe Basant".

The court was requested to initiate criminal and departmental proceedings against the officials responsible, form a judicial commission to assess the losses and ensure strict enforcement of the laws banning the production, supply, sale and use of hazardous kite string.