17 deaths reported during Basant in Lahore, LHC told

LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) - The Punjab Home Department has submitted a report in the Lahore High Court stating that 17 people lost their lives during the Basant festival in Lahore.

The report was submitted during a hearing conducted by Justice Malik Owais Khalid on a petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel. The court also sought a detailed report from the Punjab Home Secretary regarding the number of people injured during the festival.

According to the report, three people died from electrocution, two lost their lives after falling from trees, and 12 died after falling from rooftops while participating in Basant-related activities.

During the hearing, petitioner’s counsel Azhar Siddique argued that data regarding those injured by kite strings had not been provided. The petition requests comprehensive details of both fatalities and injuries that occurred during the festival.

The court adjourned the hearing until next week and directed the Punjab Home Secretary to submit complete details of the injured individuals.