The Lahore High Court (LHC) convened on Monday to review petitions challenging kite flying activities, summoning comprehensive information on cases involving violations of the kite flying ban. A single bench, led by Justice Awais Khalid, examined petitions filed by the Judicial Activism Panel of lawyers.
The court inquired about the fate of kites and threads confiscated by police, questioning whether they were destroyed or disposed of by other means. It also sought clarification on the procedures followed regarding the pricing of kites and threads. Furthermore, the bench requested a detailed account of fatalities and injuries linked to kite flying incidents.
Authorities were instructed to implement measures aimed at preventing future accidents related to kite flying. The court postponed further hearings until April 23 to allow time for submission of the requested information.
Earlier, the Punjab Home Department informed the court that at least 17 individuals lost their lives during the three-day Basant festival in Lahore, held from February 6 to 8. A provincial official presented a detailed report outlining the causes of death, which included electrocution and falls from rooftops and trees.
The court’s review also covered petitions demanding transparency regarding damages and expenses incurred during the Basant celebrations. During the session, the petitioners’ counsel criticized the report for not specifying the number of deaths resulting from injuries caused by kite strings.
