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Preventable deaths have once again stained what should have been a celebration of culture and community. The revival of Basant in Lahore after an 18-year ban was meant to signal a carefully regulated return of a historic festival. Instead, the Punjab home department’s report before the Lahore High Court confirms that 17 people lost their lives during the three-day event from February 6 to 8 — a toll that cannot be brushed aside by celebratory press statements.
Three individuals were electrocuted. Two fell from trees. Twelve — a staggering majority — died after falling from rooftops. More than 100 accidents were reported overall. Yet, when the court sought details of those injured by kite strings, the data was reportedly not provided. This absence suggests either poor record-keeping or an attempt to control the narrative. Without comprehensive data, there can be no honest assessment, and thus no meaningful reform. It is true that under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, metallic and chemical-coated strings were banned. The city was divided into three kite-flying zones under surveillance. Protective wires were mandated for motorcycles. Aerial firing and alcohol consumption on rooftops were prohibited. Immense credit must be given for all these. But safety cannot be measured selectively. And thus incremental reforms must be made to ensure least possible incidents.
For starters, guard rails of specified height and strength should be mandatory for any building where kite flying is permitted. Temporary festival licences could require compliance certification from local authorities. Emergency and rescue response mechanisms also require scrutiny. Dedicated ambulances and rooftop rescue teams should be on standby. Cultural revival must not come at the cost of human life. And a “safe Basant” cannot be defined by the absence of one category of death while 17 families bury their loved ones. Even a single fatality casts a shadow over the entire community celebration.
