The Lahore High Court has directed the implementation of safety measures regarding the Basant festival and has summoned Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain (retd) Muhammad Ali Ijaz on the day after tomorrow. The court has also summoned officials of the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) and the Schools Education Department in connection with an awareness campaign related to safety measures during Basant, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Justice Malik Muhammad Owais Khalid heard the case on Monday. Special Secretary Home Fazlur Rehman, along with other officials, appeared before the court, while Assistant Advocate General Anwar Ahmed represented the Punjab government. Special Secretary Home Fazlur Rehman submitted a report to the court.
The court directed the Special Secretary Home to convene a meeting of the committee formed regarding Basant on January 27 and to inform the court about the progress at the next hearing.
Justice Owais Khalid remarked that no incident should occur during the Basant festival and that it is the government’s responsibility. The court also expressed satisfaction over the report submitted by the Special Secretary Home. Special Secretary Home Fazlur Rehman spoke to City42 TV channel regarding the case proceedings.
Petitioner’s counsel Azhar Siddique contended that another accident had already occurred three days ago, even before Basant had begun. The court remarked that a response should be sought from the CCPO office on this miscellaneous application.
Justice Owais Khalid inquired about the safety measures taken for Basant. In response, the Special Secretary Home stated that red, yellow, and green zones have been designated based on data from the past ten years, and funds have been released for installing rods on motorcycles. He further stated that a high-level committee under the supervision of the Senior Minister is reviewing legislation and other related matters, while a separate committee is overseeing safety measures.
On a question regarding zoning, the counsel for the Walled City Authority informed the court that the inner city has been declared a red zone, Harbanspura falls under the yellow zone, and green zones are areas where there is no risk of accidents.
Justice Owais Khalid remarked that medical camps should be established to deal with emergency situations and that emergency doctors should be available at these camps. He further observed that immediate emergency facilities should be available on any road where an accident occurs so that timely assistance can be provided.
The Special Secretary Home informed the court that to deal with accidents, services including 1122, mobile clinics, and 70 clinics on wheels are being provided. In response to the court’s question, it was stated that these facilities will start from March 1, as Basant will be celebrated on March 6, 7, and 8.
It was further stated that awareness has been provided in schools and colleges through the relevant departments. The Special Secretary Home also spoke to City 42 regarding the case proceedings.
Justice Owais Khalid remarked that incidents such as fires are being reported these days; therefore, special measures should be taken to prevent fire incidents during Basant. He observed that compliance with the law is mandatory for every citizen; however, registering cases against minor children puts their future at stake. In response, the Special Secretary Home stated that cases are not registered against minor children; instead, they are fined.
In response to a question regarding dilapidated buildings, the legal advisor of the Walled City Authority informed the court that notices have been issued to dilapidated buildings.
During the hearing, the court restrained the petitioner’s counsel from making political statements. The petitioner’s counsel stated that accidents are occurring even before Basant and that metallic kite strings are being used. On this, Justice Owais Khalid directed that measures be taken to stop the inflow of dangerous kite strings from other provinces.
The Special Secretary Home informed the court that Basant is being celebrated only in Lahore, while it remains banned in other cities of Punjab. He further stated that 70 clinics on wheels will remain present in the field during Basant days, special arrangements have been made in all hospitals, and rescue services have been put on alert. According to him, traders and kite manufacturers are also on board.
The court adjourned further hearing of the case till January 28.