Due to violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Basant Festival 2026, a man died and seven others wounded in Basant-related incidents in various parts of Lahore on Friday.Incidents of aerial firing and use of chemical string in the Walled City were also reportedAccording to Rescue 1122 officials, 25-year-old Ali Rasheed was electrocuted to death when he climbed an electricity pole to claim a stray kite near the Sukh Nehar area.

The body was later handed over to the deceased’s family after completion of legal requirements.Rescue officials said that near the Sukh Nahar, Ali Rasheed climbed up an electricity pole to retrieve a stray kite and was electrocuted, dying on the spot.After midnight, seven people were injured in various Basant-related incidents. In the Gulshan Ravi area, eight-year-old Irha was injured when a kite string hurt her neck.

In the Ravi Road area, man named Saqib was injured after falling from a rooftop while flying kites.In the Lower Mall area, 12-year-old Abdul Wahid was injured while chasing a stray kite in the street. In Gulshan Ravi, 14-year-old Salman was injured while trying to claim a kite from a tree.In Defence Phase-5, 21-year-old Rafi Tanveer was going to his home on motorcycle when he was injured after a kite string struck his neck.

In Gulshan Ravi, 45-year-old Shabbir was injured after a kite string cut his face and nose; he was immediately shifted to a hospital.29-year-old Qasim Ali was also injured after a stray bullet his face in Garhi Shahu area. He was immediately rushed to Civil Hospital, where he was still under treatment.Later, the Punjab Home Department imposed Section 144 to prevent provocations. The security is on high alert at all entry and exit points of the City.  A complete ban is imposed on the display of weapons and aerial firing in Lahore.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)