Replies sought on plea against Basant ban

LAHORE:Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh of Lahore High Court on Tuesday sought replies from provincial and local governments on a petition challenging a ban on kite flying and basant festival.

Kite Flying Association filed the petition and pleaded through a counsel that the provincial government had imposed ban on basant in 2007 following an increase in death toll of people owing to kite flying.

The counsel asked the court that the ban be declared null and void and the government be directed to announce 15 day time of kite flying business as mentioned in law. The judge adjourned hearing till Jan 29 and sought replies from the respondents.

Meanwhile, Lahore High Court Chief Justice Mamoon Rashid Sheikh on Tuesday sought personal appearance of Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid to explain situation of waste at public hospitals as alleged in a petition.

Judicial Activism Panel filed the petition through Advocate Azhar Siddique pleading that incinerators meant for disposal of medical solid waste were not functional for the last 23 days. He said the authorities concerned had been failed to remove waste from the hospitals. The chief justice directed the health minister to appear in person on Jan 23 to explain the position.