LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif is set to take part in Basant celebrations in Lahore’s Walled City, where he will spend time with close friends and join selected cultural events.
According to sources, Nawaz Sharif plans to relive memories linked to Lahore’s rich traditions during his visit. Having grown up in the Walled City, he considers Basant an important symbol of Punjab’s cultural heritage and seasonal joy.
In recent months, Nawaz Sharif has actively supported the revival of Basant, stressing the need for safe and well-organized celebrations. He held meetings with cultural representatives and relevant authorities to help ensure that the festival is observed responsibly.
Sharif also believes the festival can bring economic benefits by encouraging tourism and supporting local businesses. He has said that cultural events like Basant not only preserve traditions but also create opportunities for workers and small traders.
The Basant festival will be held from February 6 to February 8. Local authorities, along with residents, have made special arrangements to ensure smooth and secure celebrations across the city.
Moreover, Lahore’s annual Basant festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring with colorful kite flying, turned tragic this year as multiple accidents left several people injured and claimed the life of a young man. While the festival is known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant skies, these incidents highlight the dangers associated with kite flying when safety is neglected.
In Baghbanpura, Ali Rashid lost his life after coming into contact with an electric pole while trying to bring down a kite. He suffered a fatal electric shock, underscoring the risks of handling kites near live wires. This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder that even a brief moment of carelessness can have fatal consequences.
Other accidents were reported across different areas of the city. In Defence Phase 5, a man named Rafi sustained a deep cut on his neck from a sharp kite string. In Gulshan Ravi, an 8-year-old girl, Arsa, and a 45-year-old man, Shabir, were injured due to kite strings. Young participants were particularly vulnerable, with 12-year-old Abdul Wahid getting hurt while trying to catch a kite and 14-year-old Salman falling from a tree while reaching for one.
These accidents point to a recurring problem during Basant: the use of hazardous kite strings, often coated with glass or metal, combined with risky behavior such as climbing poles or trees. While the festival is a beloved cultural tradition, these unsafe practices increase the likelihood of serious injuries.
Despite the risks, the festival officially began when Punjab’s Information Minister, Azma Bukhari, released kites at midnight, filling Lahore’s skies with color. Families and kite enthusiasts participated enthusiastically, enjoying the festivities and the vibrant atmosphere that Basant is known for.
The recent incidents underline the importance of safety. Festival organizers, participants, and authorities need to enforce precautions such as banning sharp or glass-coated strings, keeping people away from electrical areas, and discouraging climbing poles or trees. While Basant remains a joyful and colorful celebration, these accidents serve as a warning that tradition must go hand in hand with safety to prevent further tragedies and ensure a safe experience for all participants.
