A petition has been moved in the Lahore High Court seeking criminal proceedings against government officials over six deaths and injuries to 124 people during the recent Basant celebrations in Lahore.
The plea was filed by Azhar Siddique, head of the Judicial Activism Panel. It cites official figures from the Punjab Home Department, stating that six people lost their lives and 124 others were injured during the three-day festival. According to the petitioner, these figures contradict the Punjab government’s claim that Basant was held safely under strict arrangements.
Lahore recently concluded Basant celebrations with large gatherings across rooftops, streets, and public spaces, where residents flew kites to mark the arrival of spring. The provincial government had permitted the festival from February 6 to 8, restricting it to Lahore and assuring tight security and regulatory controls to prevent past tragedies that had previously led to a long-standing ban.
However, the petition argues that the event once again proved hazardous. It claims that numerous children were injured after falling from rooftops or while climbing electric poles during kite-flying activities, turning what was described as a cultural festival into a serious public safety risk.
The petitioner further alleged that authorities failed to effectively curb the production, transportation, and sale of hazardous kite string, commonly referred to as “killer string.” This alleged failure, the plea contends, constitutes gross negligence on the part of state institutions.
The court has been requested to initiate criminal and departmental action against responsible officials, constitute a judicial commission to assess the human and financial losses incurred during Basant, and ensure strict enforcement of laws banning the manufacture, supply, sale, and use of dangerous kite string.
