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  "path": "/news/1971406/at-least-two-injured-by-stray-kite-string-as-basant-festivities-kick-off-in-lahore",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-06T06:45:58.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.dawn.com",
  "tags": [
    "Pakistan",
    "kicked off",
    "_lifted_"
  ],
  "textContent": "LAHORE: As Basant festivities kicked off on Friday after an 18-year hiatus, at least two kite-flying-related injuries have been reported in the city so far.\n\nIn December last year, the Punjab government _lifted_ the ban on kite flying and allowed the celebration of Basant with strict regulations. The kite-flying festival was banned in 2007 in Punjab because of an increasing number of deaths and serious injuries caused by sharp strings, particularly to motorcyclists and pillion riders, as well as by celebratory gunfire.\n\nIn the first incident, a 21-year-old man sustained injuries around his neck after coming in contact with a stray kite string in Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA).\n\nThe young man was returning home from a local market on a bike when the string became entangled around his neck, leaving visible deep wounds.\n\nHowever, a police official claimed that the injured person was riding the bike without a safety rod.\n\nEarlier, the government had instructed the motorcyclists to install protective steel wires to shield themselves from stray kite twine to prevent any tragic incident.\n\nThe police official said that Rescue 1122 reached the site of the incident, where the injured person was provided first aid and rushed to a hospital, where he underwent surgery.\n\nHe added that the injured person was now in stable condition.\n\nOrders have been issued to launch an investigation into the matter and investigate the string’s quality.\n\nIn another incident, a 45-year old man suffered multiple injuries to his face and neck after a kite string fell on him while he was riding a bike.\n\nRescue 1122 officials rushed the injured man to a hospital.\n\nA police official indicated that the injured men would be investigated for taking their bikes on roads without safety wires despite repeated warnings.\n\nHe added the act would be dealt with as a violation of standard SoPs.\n\nThe festival is set to run till February 7.\n\nBasant Panchami, with ‘panchami’ meaning the fifth day of the lunar month _Magh_ , is a celebration of future crop prosperity, spring, and good luck.\n\nUnder the new Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, the manufacturing of only thread-based kite strings will be allowed, and the use of metallic, chemical-coated, or sharp strings is strictly banned.",
  "title": "At least two injured by stray kite string as Basant festivities kick off in Lahore"
}