Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi has appealed to residents of Lahore to actively participate in making Basant 2026 celebrations safe, following a surge in accidents caused by people falling from rooftops while attempting to catch stray kites.
According to the home department’s control room, 118 Basant-related accidents have been reported in the first two days of the festival, resulting in six deaths and 112 injuries. Among the fatalities, four were due to falls from rooftops, while one each occurred when young boys tried to climb an electric pole and a tree to retrieve kites. Most injuries were caused by kite strings (twine).
In a video message released on Saturday, Dr. Qazi emphasized that the government is taking extensive measures to ensure that the three-day festival is celebrated safely. He said that police, traffic police, district administration, Rescue 1122, health authorities, and all relevant departments are actively engaged in monitoring and managing safety during the festivities.
Dr. Qazi added that the government has ensured the implementation of all safety protocols, including the installation of safety rods on motorcycles, to prevent accidents and protect citizens during the Basant celebrations.