The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday sought detailed reports on deaths and injuries reported during Basant celebrations while hearing a case related to action against kite flying. The hearing was conducted by Justice Malik Muhammad Owais Khalid on a petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel. SSP Operations Touqeer Naim and other officials appeared before the court, while the government’s report was submitted by Assistant Advocate General Anwar Hussain. During the proceedings, police submitted details of cases registered under the Kite Flying Act, arrests made, and seizures of kites and strings. According to the report, from January 1 to February 8, 2026, a total of 1,926 cases were registered in Lahore, with 2,030 arrests made. Authorities also confiscated 105,718 kites and 2,953 string rolls during this period leading up to Basant. The report further stated that from February 9 to April 3, 1,255 additional cases were registered and an equal number of suspects were arrested. In this period, 2,025 kites and 809 string rolls were recovered. However, petitioner’s counsel Advocate Azhar Siddique expressed dissatisfaction over the report, stating that it did not include details of fatalities and injuries during Basant. He argued that several citizens had died and many others were injured, but the complete record had not been presented before the court. The court directed the law officer to obtain comprehensive data from relevant departments and submit details of deaths and injuries caused during the festival. Justice Malik Muhammad Owais Khalid also directed the Home Department to convene a meeting on April 28 to review the matter. The court instructed the law officer to attend the meeting, while petitioner’s counsel was also allowed to present his arguments. The hearing was adjourned until April 30, with the court seeking a progress report at the next date of hearing.
LHC seeks report on deaths, injuries during Basant
Published on: April 24, 2026 2:16 AM