Basant deaths: LHC summons report from Home Secretary, CCPO

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday summoned reports from the Home Secretary Punjab and CCPO, while hearing a petition over Basant incidents.

A bench of the high court comprises of Justice Awais Khalid heard petition of Azhar Siddique Advocate over deaths and injuries of people during Basant celebrations.

According to the petition, the Punjab home department has shared figures of six deaths during the Basant festival. “Over 100 citizens were also injured against the government claims of safe Basant festivities”.

“Basant has become a life-threatening danger instead of a festival,” petitioner argued. “Dozens of children were injured in falling from roofs”.

It has been requested to the court in the petition to place responsibility of the negligence against against the concerned officials.

The court adjourned further hearing of the case until February 17.

Earlier, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and security measures during Basant, appreciating the cooperation of citizens in maintaining order.

She emphasized that despite the festivities, restrictions on kite flying would remain in place at the end of the festival and instructed officials to strictly enforce safety protocols.

People in Lahore celebrated the vibrant colours of Basant 2026 under strict SOPs for the three-day festival celebrated officially after 25 years.

The provincial government announced three days Basant Festival from February 06 to 08 under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2025.