I WONDER how something disapproved by the courts has been allowed. I am talking about Basant.

Some say it is culture and some call it a sport. What culture and what sport take innocent human lives? And Pandora’s box has been opened at a time when our national game –hockey-- is on the verge of collapse. We are willing to spend hundreds of millions on Basant and ignore hockey. What logic!

Basant is a life-threatening activity not only for kite-flyers on the rooftops and kite-snatchers on the roads, but a menace to unsuspecting passersby.

If the government has permitted Basant, it should ensure no killer strings are attached (pun intended). In case of an incident then the Punjab chief minister and other high and mighty of the land could be held responsible.

We must act sagaciously and in the people’s larger interests.

Syed Farhan Basit

Gujranwala

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2019