Serious questions have emerged over transparency after the Punjab Home Department informed the Lahore High Court that 17 people died during Lahore’s three-day Basant festival — figures that were not publicly highlighted during official celebrations.
The deaths occurred between February 6 and 8, according to a report submitted to the Lahore High Court. The Home Department stated that the fatalities resulted from electrocution and falls from rooftops and trees. It added that no deaths were caused by kite strings.
But the revelation has sparked controversy: Why was this information not prominently disclosed earlier? And who brought the data before the court?
Court told — public not?
The figures surfaced during hearings on petitions seeking details about damages, injuries and government expenditures linked to the festival, which was officially held under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2025.
Petitioners argued that the report was incomplete. Their counsel told the court that the document failed to include the number of people injured by kite strings and did not provide full data on injuries sustained during the festival.
“Basant has become a life-threatening event instead of a festival,” the petitioner said in court, claiming that dozens of children were injured after falling from rooftops.
The petition also requested criminal and departmental action against officials for alleged negligence and called for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate losses during the celebrations.
Who revealed the death toll?
The disclosure came only after the Home Department submitted a formal report to the court — raising concerns over why the casualty numbers were not part of official public briefings during or immediately after the festival.
The Punjab government had earlier described the event as successful. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had expressed satisfaction over arrangements and security measures, praising citizens for maintaining order.
However, the newly revealed death toll has intensified scrutiny over whether the full human cost of the event was adequately communicated.
String-related deaths denied
While Basant in past years has been associated with fatal kite-string incidents, the Home Department told the court that no deaths were linked to kite strings this time. Still, questions remain about injuries and enforcement of safety measures.
The court has now issued notices to authorities seeking detailed information about government spending related to the festival.
Transparency under spotlight
The case has shifted the narrative from celebration to accountability. With 17 confirmed deaths acknowledged only in court proceedings, critics are asking:
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Why was the casualty figure not widely disclosed earlier?
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Were injury numbers underreported?
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Who first compiled and presented the fatality data?
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Was there an attempt to downplay the human toll?
As the Lahore High Court continues hearings, the Basant debate is no longer just about kite flying — it is about governance, transparency, and responsibility.
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