Petition Filed Against 10-Day Basant

A petition has been lodged with the Lahore High Court, challenging the Punjab government's decision to allow the Basant celebrations to span 10 days instead of a single day. Shahid Islam, a citizen, filed the petition after the registrar's office prepared a hearing schedule.

Islam argues that a 10-day kite-flying festival would increase safety risks, citing injuries from sharp kite strings, electric shocks, and falls from rooftops. He claims that 17 individuals lost their lives during Basant celebrations in 2026, though this number is an allegation, not a verified fact. Islam also asserts that extending the festivities would lead to heightened noise levels, environmental pollution, and accidents, potentially violating citizens' fundamental rights.

The petition names several respondents, including the Punjab government and senior provincial officials like the chief secretary, home secretary, deputy commissioner, inspector general of police, and the police officer of Lahore's capital city. Additional Advocate General Khawaja Mohsin Abbas will argue against the petition on behalf of the provincial government.