Final Day of Basant Draws Crowds to Lahore Rooftops

News Desk 

Lahore: Residents of Lahore thronged rooftops across the city on Sunday as the kite-flying festival of Basant entered its third and final day, with favourable weather drawing large crowds outdoors.

Skies over the provincial capital were filled with colourful kites as enthusiasts of all ages took part in the celebrations. Basant returned to Lahore on February 6 after the Punjab government lifted a ban that had remained in place for more than two decades following deaths and injuries linked to sharp kite strings and celebratory gunfire.

Alongside kite flying, festivities included music and traditional celebrations. However, authorities imposed strict restrictions to maintain public order and ensure safety during the event.

Watch on X:  According to a government spokesperson, kites bearing images or symbols of holy books, religious places, religious personalities, political parties or national flags were banned. The use of metallic wire and nylon string was also prohibited, while the installation of safety rods on motorcycles was made mandatory across the city.

Security officials said vehicles entering Lahore were subjected to strict checking and scanning, with only legally permitted kite-flying material allowed into the city. Prohibited items were confiscated at checkpoints.

More than 10,000 police officers and personnel were deployed across Lahore during the Basant celebrations. Checkpoints were established in various zones, including 104 in the Red Zone, 92 in the Yellow Zone and 72 in the Green Zone. Police were also stationed on rooftops, overhead bridges, underpasses, and at major entry and exit points.

Watch: https://x.com/ranjha001/status/2020242196725952637

Despite the safety measures, kite-flying-related incidents were reported. On Friday, at least one person was killed and five others injured in separate incidents across the city.

The deceased was identified as 25-year-old Ali Rasheed, who was electrocuted while attempting to retrieve a stray kite near the Sikh Canal in the Baghbanpura area. Police said he climbed an electric pole and came into contact with live wires.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the cancellation of all Basant-related activities scheduled for Sunday, following a suicide blast at a mosque in Islamabad that claimed more than two dozen lives.