LAHORE:The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday summoned the special secretary Home for the next hearing of petitions challenging the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2026 and directed the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) to submit a detailed report on fatalities and injuries reported during the Basant festival.
Justice Malik M Awais Khalid heard the petitions, including one filed by the Judicial Activism Panel.SSP Operations Tauqeer, Deputy Secretary Home Afzal Bashir and other relevant officials appeared before the court.
Reports from various departments were submitted on behalf of the Home Secretary.During the proceedings, petitioner’s counsel Azhar Siddique contended that although the petitions initially challenged the Basant law, the court’s intervention ensured the implementation of safety measures and proper arrangements for the festival.
He maintained that the credit for organising a comparatively safer Basant goes to the court, adding that the petitioners are not against the festival but advocate for its safe conduct.He informed the court that incidents of throat injuries caused by kite strings were relatively fewer this year; however, six people have lost their lives and 124 others have been injured so far.At this, the court directed the CCPO to present a comprehensive report at the next hearing detailing the deaths and injuries during Basant.The hearing was adjourned until February 18.
