At least 17 killed during Basant festival in Pakistan, court told

A court in Pakistan was told on Wednesday that at least 17 people were killed in the recent three-day Basant festival held in the city of Lahore, in Punjab.

In a report submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC), the Punjab Home Department maintained that the deaths occurred between Feb. 6 and 8.

The traditional spring celebration was held in Lahore after an 18‑year ban was lifted under strict safety regulations.

According to the official court submission, three people died from electrocution, two died after falling from trees, and 12 died after falling from rooftops while taking part in Basant‑related activities.

More than 100 Basant‑related accidents were reported during the festivities, authorities said.

The high court was hearing petitions seeking comprehensive details on both fatalities and injuries linked to the event. While the report outlined the number and causes of the deaths, the court also requested data on injuries caused by kite strings, a contentious safety issue in past Basant celebrations, which was not provided in the submission, according to the petitioner’s lawyer.

Basant, a centuries‑old festival that marks the arrival of spring with colorful kite flying, was banned in Punjab in 2007 due to repeated deaths and serious injuries tied to sharp or metallic kite strings and risky rooftop activity. Its revival this year came with regulated kite‑flying zones and safety measures intended to reduce such hazards.