LAHORE: One person was killed and at least six others were injured in separate kite-flying incidents in Lahore on Friday as Basant celebrations began after an 18-year ban, raising fresh concerns over public safety despite official restrictions.
The Punjab government allowed the resumption of Basant in December last year under strict safety regulations. Kite flying had been banned since 2007 following a series of deaths and serious injuries caused mainly by sharp kite strings and celebratory gunfire.
According to police and rescue officials, multiple incidents were reported from different parts of the city on the first day of the festival. Victims included motorcyclists, children, and rooftop kite flyers.
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Incidents reported across the city
In one incident, a 21-year-old man suffered deep neck injuries after a stray kite string became entangled around his neck while he was riding a motorcycle in Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area. Rescue 1122 provided first aid at the scene and shifted him to a hospital, where he underwent surgery. His condition was later reported to be stable.
In another case, a 45-year-old motorcyclist sustained injuries to his face and neck after being struck by a kite string. He was also shifted to a hospital by Rescue 1122.
Separately, an eight-year-old girl suffered throat injuries after a kite string fell on her in Lahore’s Gulshan-e-Ravi area. In other incidents, two youngsters were injured by kite strings in different localities.
Another man fell from the roof of his house in the Ravi Road area while flying a kite, suffering multiple injuries.
Police confirmed that one person died after sustaining critical injuries in a kite-related incident. Further details about the fatality were being verified.
Safety concerns and official response
Police officials said investigations have been ordered into all reported incidents, including checks on the quality and type of kite strings used. Authorities warned that riding motorcycles without protective safety rods would be treated as a violation of standard operating procedures.
Earlier, the government had instructed motorcyclists to install steel safety wires to protect themselves from stray kite strings.
Basant festivities are scheduled to continue until February 8.
Under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, only thread-based kite strings are permitted, while metallic, chemical-coated, or sharp strings remain strictly banned.
By Dawn News
Today's E-Paper