LAHORE (Web Desk) – The Punjab Home Department has informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) that 17 people lost their lives during the three-day Basant festival held in Lahore earlier this month.
The report was submitted on Wednesday during proceedings before Justice Owais Khalid in connection with petitions challenging the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025.
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According to the official report, three individuals died due to electrocution, two lost their lives after falling from trees, and 12 others died after falling from rooftops during the celebrations. More than 100 accidents were reported in connection with the festival.
The petitions, filed by the Judicial Activism Panel and others, sought detailed information about deaths and injuries during the event. The court also directed authorities to provide data regarding individuals injured by kite strings. However, petitioner’s counsel Advocate Azhar Siddique informed the court that the relevant data had not been furnished.
The Basant festival was held from February 6 to 8 after the Punjab government lifted an 18-year ban imposed in 2007 due to a surge in fatalities and serious injuries caused by sharp, chemical-coated kite strings and celebratory gunfire. Motorcyclists and pillion riders were particularly vulnerable to deadly throat injuries caused by metallic strings.
Under the newly enacted ordinance, only thread-based kite strings were permitted, while metallic, chemical-coated, and sharp strings were strictly prohibited. Authorities divided Lahore into three designated kite-flying zones under round-the-clock surveillance. Additional safety measures included mandatory installation of protective wires on motorcycles and a strict ban on aerial firing and alcohol consumption on rooftops.
Following the festival, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif commended the administration for organizing what she described as a “safe Basant,” asserting that no deaths were caused by kite string injuries.
The matter remains under judicial review as the court continues to examine compliance with safety regulations and the broader legality of the ordinance.
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