No Kites To Fly On Basant In Pakistan’s Punjab: PTI-Led Government Backtracks On Decision To Revive Festival

The government of Pakistan’s Punjab province has gone back on its previous plan to revive Basant festival which celebrates the beginning of spring season, reports ANI. Kites are traditionally part of the the festivities observed during the celebrations. Previously, the provincial government had in-principle agreed to lift the 12-year ban but has now announced that a further four to six months will be needed to complete safety preparations.

The ban on celebration during Basant had been introduced by the previous Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) government citing deaths caused due to glass-coated kite strings. Apart from the strings turning fatal, several other deaths were the result of celebratory firing and persons falling off the top of buildings in attempts to chase kites.

Punjab Senior Minister Aleem Khan stated, “We require four to six months of preparation to make Basant safe. If institutions fulfil their responsibilities such festivals can take place.”

Punjab Information Minister Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan had in December declared that the government would revive the cultural festival of Basant in Punjab from next February onwards, as it would benefit the tourism industry and propel economic activity.

A petition had subsequently been filed before the Lahore High Court challenging the decision with the contention that a further loss of lives could be caused by the move.