Two killed, 71 injured as Rawalpindi defies Basant ban

Dunya News

Despite ban on the festival, the revelers flew kites and resorted to aerial firing.

 

RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – A minor girl and woman were killed on Friday during Basant festivities in Rawalpindi.

Despite ban on the festival by federal government, the revelers flew kites and resorted to aerial firing.



Six-year-old Urva in Shakrial and 50-year-old Shamim in Dhok Khaba died when a stray bullet hit them.

On the other hand, at least 71 persons sustained injuries after being cut by chemical-coated string or falling from the rooftops.



During the past 12 hours, at least 38 wounded were brought to Benazir Hospital, 25 in District headquarters hospital and eight in Holy Family Hospital.

Most of the injured have received bullets whereas a 15-year-old boy who became victim of electrocution was referred to CMH.



Following the firing incidents, SHO Waris Khan police station has been suspended.

The district administration has failed to implement the ban on the Basant festival as it has been celebrated in the city twice in one week.