LAHORE: The Lahore High Court was informed on Wednesday that 17 people died in Lahore during the recent Basant festival, according to a report submitted by the Punjab Home Department.
The report was presented before Justice Malik Owais Khalid during proceedings on a petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel. The court has also ordered the Punjab Home Secretary to provide a detailed account of individuals injured during the celebrations.
Official figures shared with the court outlined the causes of the fatalities. Three people reportedly died from electric shocks, two lost their lives after falling from trees, while the majority 12 individuals died after falling from rooftops while taking part in kite-flying activities associated with Basant.
During the hearing, petitioner’s counsel Azhar Siddique contended that the report failed to include data on those injured by kite strings, an issue that has historically raised safety concerns during the festival. The petition seeks comprehensive statistics covering both deaths and injuries linked to the event.
After reviewing the preliminary report, the court adjourned the matter until next week and directed authorities to submit complete information regarding all injured persons.
