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LAHORE, Jan 26 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed the authorities to ensure strict implementation of safety measures for the upcoming Basant festival and summoned Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain (R) Muhammad Ali Ejaz to appear before the court the day after tomorrow.
Justice Malik Muhammad Awais Khalid heard the petitions filed against notification allowing celebration of Basant in Lahore.
The court also summoned officials of the Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR) and the Schools Education Department to court for briefing on public awareness campaigns regarding Basant-related safety measures.
During the hearing, Special Secretary Home Fazlur Rehman, along with other officials, appeared before the court, while Assistant Advocate General Anwar Ahmed represented the Punjab government. The Special Secretary Home submitted a report, upon which the court directed that a meeting of the Basant oversight committee be convened on January 27 and that progress be reported at the next hearing.
The court observed that no untoward incident should occur during the Basant festivities, emphasizing that ensuring public safety was the government’s responsibility. The court expressed satisfaction over the report submitted by the Home Department.
Petitioner’s counsel Azhar Siddique informed the court that another accident had already occurred three days prior to the commencement of Basant. The court directed that a response be sought from the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) office on the issue. The court also questioned the authorities about the safety arrangements in place for Basant.
In response, the Special Secretary Home stated that red, yellow and green zones had been designated based on data from the past ten years, while funds had been released for installing safety rods on motorcycles. He added that a high-level committee under the supervision of the Senior Minister was reviewing legislative and administrative matters, while a separate committee was overseeing safety arrangements.
On zoning details, the counsel for the Walled City Authority informed the court that the inner city had been declared a red zone, Harbanspura a yellow zone, while green zones comprised areas with minimal risk of accidents.
The court stressed the need for emergency medical camps with the presence of emergency doctors and directed that immediate medical facilities must be available on roads where accidents occur. The Special Secretary Home informed the court that emergency services including Rescue 1122, mobile clinics and 70 clinics-on-wheels would be operational on Basant.
He further stated that awareness campaigns had been conducted in schools and colleges through relevant departments. The judge also noted recent fire incidents and directed the authorities to take special measures to prevent fire-related accidents during Basant.
Addressing concerns regarding minors, the court observed that while enforcement of the law was mandatory, registering cases against children could jeopardize their future. The Home Department clarified that minors were not booked in cases but were fined instead.
On the issue of dilapidated buildings, the Legal Advisor of the Walled City Authority informed the court that notices had been issued to owners.
The Home Department informed the court that Basant would be celebrated only in Lahore, while it remained banned in other cities of Punjab. It was further stated that all hospitals had made special arrangements, rescue agencies had been placed on alert, and traders and kite manufacturers were also cooperating with the authorities.
The court adjourned further hearing of the case until January 28.