The Punjab Home Department submitted a report to the Lahore High Court on Wednesday, confirming that 17 people lost their lives during the recently held Basant festival in Lahore.
The three-day festival, held from February 6 to 8, marked the revival of the historic event after an 18-year ban, following the Punjab government’s implementation of strict safety regulations.
Accidents and Causes of Death During Basant 2026
Despite the government’s emphasis on safety, over 100 accidents were reported during the festival. The official report detailed the causes of fatalities as follows:
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Electrocution: 3 deaths
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Falling from trees: 2 deaths
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Falling from rooftops: 12 deaths
The LHC, hearing petitions filed by the Judicial Activism Panel and others, also sought data on injuries caused by kite strings. However, according to petitioner’s lawyer, Advocate Azhar Siddique, this information was not provided in the report.
Background: Basant Festival Ban and Revival
Basant had been banned in Punjab in 2007 due to rising fatalities and serious injuries caused by sharp kite strings, particularly affecting motorcyclists and pillion riders, along with accidents from celebratory gunfire.
Under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, the festival was revived with strict safety guidelines:
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Only thread-based kite strings were permitted; metallic or chemically coated strings remained banned
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Lahore was divided into three kite-flying zones with 24/7 surveillance
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Protective safety wires or antennas were installed on motorcycles to prevent neck injuries
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Aerial firing and alcohol consumption on rooftops were prohibited
Chief Minister Praises “Safe Basant” Amid Fatalities
Following the festival, Maryam Nawaz Sharif praised authorities for organizing what she called a “safe Basant” in Lahore. She emphasized that there were no deaths caused by kite strings, highlighting that the new regulations appeared to prevent the most common kite-related injuries.
LHC Oversight Continues
The Lahore High Court has requested further details on injuries and fatalities and continues to review the festival under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, balancing the cultural revival of Basant with public safety concerns.
