LHC seeks reply from Punjab govt over limited Basant festival

LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) – The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday heard a petition challenging the celebration of the Basant festival only in Lahore, while the rest of the province is excluded.

Justice Malik Owais Khalid presided over the hearing, during which the petitioner’s lawyer argued that a government-backed law was introduced to celebrate Basant, but government resources are being used exclusively in Lahore.

The lawyer, representing citizen Ashba Kamran, stated that under the Constitution, all citizens are entitled to equal rights, and public funds should not be spent on a festival in only one city. The petitioner requested the court to direct the government to ensure Basant celebrations across the entire province.

The court accepted the petition for hearing and summoned the provincial government and other relevant parties to submit their responses. Special Secretary Home has been ordered to present records on February 3.

In a separate case, Justice Malik Owais Khalid also heard a petition filed by PTI MPA Sheikh Imtiaz.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer, Azhar Siddique, argued that the song Nik Da Coca does not contain any obscene or objectionable material, yet the government has unjustly included it in the list of banned songs.

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The lawyer also raised concerns over the prohibition on flying kites featuring images of political figures, terming the restriction unnecessary.

During proceedings, Justice Khalid inquired whether the petitioner sings the song, to which the lawyer replied that he is unsure but confirmed that he himself could sing it.

The court remarked that the lawyer’s voice is melodious and noted that the ban only applies to obscene songs.

The court issued notices to all parties and has requested responses for both petitions by February 2.