A man was killed and at least five others were injured in separate kite-flying-related incidents reported across Lahore during Basant celebrations, rescue officials said on Friday.

Basant began in Lahore at midnight on Thursday after the Punjab government formally lifted a ban that had remained in place for over two decades. The festival is being observed from February 6 to 8, with authorities stating that safety measures had been put in place to reduce risks associated with kite flying.

According to rescue sources, a 25-year-old man, identified as Ali Rasheed, died in Baghbanpura while attempting to retrieve a stray kite near the Sikh Canal. Officials said Rasheed climbed an electric pole and was electrocuted after coming into contact with live wires.

Several other injuries linked to kite strings were reported from different parts of the city. In the Gulshan Ravi area, a 45-year-old man, Shabbir, was injured when a kite string became entangled with him. In the same locality, an eight-year-old girl, Irsa, sustained injuries after a kite string wrapped around her neck.

In Defence Phase 5, a young boy, identified as Rafay, was injured in a similar incident when a kite string became tangled around him. Rescue officials said he was provided medical assistance and shifted to a nearby hospital.

Two more children were injured while attempting to retrieve stray kites from elevated locations. A 12-year-old boy named Abdul Wahid was injured in the Lower Mall area, while a 14-year-old boy, Salman, sustained injuries after trying to retrieve a kite stuck in a tree. Both were moved to hospitals after receiving first aid from rescue teams.

The Punjab government had imposed restrictions on kite-flying materials ahead of Basant, including a ban on metallic wire and nylon string. Authorities also made it mandatory for motorcycles to be fitted with safety rods during the festival to prevent injuries caused by kite strings.

To ensure enforcement, the Lahore deputy commissioner constituted quick response teams in every district. These teams were tasked with monitoring safety conditions and responding to emergencies during the celebrations.

Meanwhile, Lahore Police said extensive security arrangements were in place across the city. A police spokesperson said that more than 10,000 officers and personnel had been deployed for Basant-related duties.

According to the spokesperson, checkpoints were established in different zones, including 104 in the Red Zone, 92 in the Yellow Zone and 72 in the Green Zone. Police personnel were also stationed on rooftops, overhead bridges, underpasses and at entry and exit points across Lahore.

The spokesperson added that traffic police deployed 1,300 officers and staff to manage road movement during the festival. During enforcement operations, 44 motorcyclists were arrested for failing to install safety rods, and cases were registered against them.