Editorial
The Punjab government’s decision to allow Basant celebrations exclusively in Lahore, under the close supervision of the Lahore High Court, reflects a careful but uneasy compromise between cultural revival and public safety. Years of tragedy linked to kite flying — from fatal throat injuries to fires and power outages — have made Basant one of the most contested festivals in the province. The latest court proceedings show that the state is acutely aware that even a single lapse could undo this fragile experiment.
The compliance report submitted to the LHC outlines an unusually detailed safety framework: zoning the city into red, yellow and green areas, deploying emergency medical camps, placing hospitals on alert, and mobilising Rescue 1122 and mobile clinics. The release of funds for protective rods on motorcycles and instructions to curb the import of metallic kite strings suggest lessons have been learned from past disasters. Court insistence on public awareness campaigns and the presence of trained doctors further underscores the seriousness of the exercise.
Yet, the fact that Basant has been restricted to Lahore alone also reveals the limits of state capacity. If safety can only be ensured in one city, it raises uncomfortable questions about enforcement, governance and uniform application of the law across Punjab. The aggressive crackdowns in other districts, coupled with arrests and heavy fines, highlight a stark contrast between controlled celebration in Lahore and zero tolerance elsewhere.
The broader challenge lies in enforcement consistency. Bans and SOPs have failed before due to weak implementation, political pressure and illegal supply chains. This time, sustained vigilance — not just during the festival days but before and after — will determine success.
Basant’s revival should not become another example of selective regulation. If the government truly believes it can be celebrated safely, it must prove that safety is not dependent on geography alone. Cultural traditions deserve space, but only when the state can guarantee that celebration does not come at the cost of human life.
