Basant killed another person in Rawalpindi.

RAWALPINDI: Notwithstanding a prohibition on the unlawful spring celebration, Basant was celebrated in Rawalpindi, leaving a 20-year-old man dead and at least 50 people, including children, hurt in aerial gunfire and kite-flying-related events.

The Rawalpindi government outlawed Basant celebrations and kite flying last month in accordance with Section 144.

The Rawalpindi City Police Officer then issued crackdown orders to 33 police stations throughout the district against anyone who makes kites and strings, orders them from other cities, sells or purchases them.

Nonetheless, fans continued to disregard the restrictions on Friday, commemorating the historic colourful spring festival by flying kites from roofs in the garrison city, despite the restrictions that were initially put in place by authorities in 2007 after a string of accidents.

Arham Fazal, 20, lost his life while taking part in the festivities after being struck in the head by a stray gunshot inside the boundaries of Rawalpindi’s Airport Police Station.

Rescue personnel and a police squad arrived on the scene soon after the event and moved the body to the District Headquarters (DHQ) hospital.

According to hospital authorities, at least 50 additional people—including children—were hurt by stray bullets and strings, with several of the victims in critical condition.