The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday sought details from the Punjab government regarding buildings where permission has been granted to celebrate Basant, and directed the Home Department to submit a comprehensive report on measures taken to ensure the festival is celebrated safely.
Justice Malik Muhammad Owais Khalid heard petitions filed by the Judicial Activism Panel and other applicants.
During the hearing, Additional Secretary Judicial Abdul Rauf and other government officials appeared before the court. The Assistant Advocate General submitted reports on behalf of the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and other relevant departments. He informed the court that replies from all concerned parties had already been filed.
The court questioned the Special Secretary Home about the practical steps taken to ensure a safe Basant, including the number of meetings held and the decisions taken. The Special Secretary responded that several meetings had been held by the Senior Minister and senior officials, and that steps were being taken to ensure implementation of the rules framed under the relevant law.
The court further inquired how these measures would be enforced and how the public would be informed. In response, the Special Secretary Home stated that an awareness campaign was underway through electronic, print and social media, adding that a complete ban would be imposed on the sale of prohibited kite string and on kite and string sales by unregistered shops.
It was also informed that Basant would be celebrated on February 6, 7 and 8, and that kite flying would not be allowed before these dates. Authorities told the court that special safety measures and protective equipment would be arranged for public transport and motorcyclists in view of public safety.
SP City Bilal Ahmed informed the court that multiple meetings had been held with stakeholders to prevent any untoward incidents, surety bonds were being obtained, and a crackdown against illegal kite flying was underway. However, the court cautioned that enforcement should not resemble an anti-terrorism operation and directed authorities to ensure respect for the sanctity of homes during any action.
The SP further stated that kite squads had been formed by SHOs in their respective areas. The court, however, observed that public awareness about safety measures appeared inadequate and questioned whether banners and other awareness tools had been displayed.
Petitioner’s counsel told the court that incidents of fatal neck injuries caused by kite flying were still being reported in newspapers.
After placing the replies of the parties on record, the court directed the petitioner’s counsel to submit objections and a rejoinder at the next hearing, and adjourned further proceedings until January 26.
The court directed the authorities to submit a detailed report on all safety measures at the next hearing and to provide an emergency call number during Basant for the prompt redressal of citizens’ complaints. The Special Secretary Home was summoned with a comprehensive report on January 26.