Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought details from the Punjab government regarding buildings where permission has been granted to celebrate Basant.
During hearing of the case, LHC Justice Malik Muhammad Owais Khalid also directed the Additional Home Secretary to appear with a comprehensive report on the measures taken to ensure the safety of the people during Basant.
These directions were issued by Justice Malik Owais Khalid while hearing petitions filed by the Judicial Activism Panel and other petitioners.
During the hearing, LHC Justice Malik Owais Khalid observed that kite flying must not be allowed on the rooftops of dilapidated buildings, as it poses serious threats to human life. He observed that Basant is being celebrated after 25 years, therefore effective and practical safety measures must be implemented to ensure that the festival is celebrated safely and continues in the future. The judge further remarked that Basant is an identity of Lahore, but no loss of life can be tolerated under its guise.
The court directed that a detailed report on all safety measures taken for Basant be submitted at the next hearing and ordered that an emergency helpline number be provided during the festival so that citizens can immediately lodge complaints. The court summoned the Additional Home Secretary with a comprehensive report on January 26, while also directing the petitioners’ counsel to submit rejoinders to the replies filed by the respondents. During the hearing, Additional Judicial Secretary Abdul Rauf and other government officials appeared before the court. The Assistant Advocate General presented reports on behalf of the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and other concerned departments. Upon inquiry, the Punjab government’s counsel informed the court that replies from all relevant parties, including the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary, had already been submitted.
Justice Malik Owais Khalid questioned the Additional Home Secretary regarding the practical steps taken to ensure a safe Basant, the number of meetings held, and the decisions made therein.
The Additional Home Secretary responded that several meetings had been held involving the Senior Minister and other high-ranking officials, and steps were being taken to ensure implementation of the rules under the relevant Act.
The court further questioned how these safety measures would be enforced and how the general public would be informed. In response, the Additional Home Secretary stated that awareness campaigns were being run through television channels and social media. He added that banned kite strings and the sale of kites and strings at unregistered shops would be strictly prohibited.
During the proceedings, the court also asked whether an emergency number had been issued for complaints. It was informed that Basant would be celebrated on February 6, 7, and 8, and that kite flying would not be allowed before these dates. It was further stated that, in the interest of public safety, protective measures and safety equipment would be provided for public transport and motorcycle riders.
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 was underway against those involved in illegal kite flying.
However, Justice Malik Muhammad Owais Khalid cautioned that the crackdown should not resemble counter-terrorism operations, and emphasized that the sanctity of private homes must be respected. The SP City further informed the court that kite squads had been formed by every SHO in their respective areas. The court observed that the public appeared largely unaware of the safety measures and questioned whether banners and other awareness materials had been installed.
Petitioner’s counsel Azhar Siddique argued that newspapers were still reporting incidents of fatal neck injuries caused by kite strings. He stated that they were not opposed to Basant, but against “bloody Basant,” warning that if another serious incident occurred, the public might not be able to celebrate Basant for decades. After placing the replies of all parties on record, the court directed the petitioner’s counsel to submit objections and rejoinders at the next hearing. The court then adjourned further proceedings until January 26.
