The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday heard a case related to the Basant festival, during which Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain (retd) Muhammad Ali Ijaz, along with other senior officials, appeared before the court. The court expressed serious concern over the sale of kites and strings at inflated prices and directed the district administration to effectively control overpricing, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Justice Malik Muhammad Owais Khalid presided over the hearing. Captain Ali Ijaz, SSP Operations Lahore Tauqeer, Director Operations LESCO, Special Secretary Health, and other relevant officials were present in court.
During the hearing, the officials briefed the court on the safety arrangements and public awareness campaigns undertaken in connection with the Basant festival.
Counsel for the petitioner argued that Basant-related accidents have not yet been completely prevented. Advocate Azhar Siddique informed the court that incidents of throat injuries caused by kite strings were still occurring even before the festival.
Justice Owais Khalid directed the SSP Operations to submit a comprehensive report detailing the causes of such accidents.
The court also expressed concern over the spread of fake news on social media and instructed the authorities to ensure effective coordination with the Director of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in this regard.
Justice Khalid questioned the Director Operations LESCO about the planning and safety measures related to electricity during the Basant festival. The LESCO official informed the court that a report had already been submitted, safety measures had been implemented in the Walled City and other areas, hazardous locations had been identified, special teams had been formed, and all electrical safety arrangements would be completed before Basant.
The Director General Public Relations (DGPR) informed the court that awareness campaigns were being conducted through print and electronic media, and public service messages were also being aired on television channels.
The petitioner’s counsel suggested the use of drones to help control the Basant festival, upon which the court directed the concerned departments to examine this option.
Justice Khalid also sought details from the Special Secretary Health regarding emergency preparedness and was informed that Clinics on Wheels, Rescue 1122, and other emergency services had been placed on alert.
The court directed the Deputy Commissioner Lahore to strictly control the overpricing of kites and strings. It further ordered the SSP Operations Lahore to submit a detailed report at the next hearing regarding the sale of prohibited kite strings, including the reasons behind their availability.
The court summoned the Director FIA to appear in person at the next hearing. Additionally, the Director Walled City Authority, Director Safe City, Director Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), SSP Operations, and other relevant officials were also summoned.
The court adjourned further hearing of the case until February 3, to allow the concerned departments to submit their reports and present their actions before the court.