Here’s How Many People Died Due to to Basant in Punjab

The revival of the Basant festival in Lahore has triggered fresh debate after several people died and many others were injured during the celebrations.

The Punjab government allowed a three-day Basant festival in the first week of February 2026 after temporarily suspending a 21-year ban through an ordinance.

Authorities permitted kite flying under specific safety rules, including a ban on metallic strings and the installation of protective rods on motorcycles.

However, accidents during the event raised serious safety concerns. According to the Punjab Home Department, at least 17 people died, and more than 160 were injured during the festival. Media reports suggested the death toll may have reached 21.

Most victims died after falling from rooftops while flying kites. Authorities reported that 12 people died from rooftop falls, while three others died from electrocution.

Several people also suffered injuries after falling from trees or buildings while chasing kites.

Families of victims criticized the government, saying they received no support after the tragedy. Relatives of some victims accused authorities of allowing the festival to satisfy elite celebrations while poor families paid the price.

Public policy analyst Salman Abid said the festival mainly benefited the privileged class despite official safety claims. He added that kite flying continued beyond the permitted days, and authorities struggled to enforce restrictions.

Despite the fatalities, the festival generated significant economic activity. Government estimates suggest that Basant produced Rs3–4 billion in revenue, with kite and string sales alone reaching Rs2–2.5 billion.

Authorities allowed more than 5,000 vendors to sell kites and strings during the event.

A spokesperson for the Punjab government said officials enforced safety rules and registered cases against violators.

The government is also considering compensation for families of the officially recorded victims and plans to organize a “safe Basant” festival next year.

Kite flying has remained controversial in Punjab for years. The government first banned it in 2005 after more than 25 deaths linked to hazardous kite strings.

Although authorities briefly lifted the ban in 2006 and 2007, rising fatalities forced them to reimpose it.

Official records indicate that more than 2,000 people have died in kite-related incidents since then, with most deaths caused by chemical-coated strings that cut throats or cause fatal injuries.

Despite its deadly history, Basant celebrations continue to attract crowds across cities such as Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Multan, keeping the debate over tradition and safety alive.