Lahore: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Secretary General Ameerul Azeem has strongly condemned reports of preparations for the Basant festival by the Punjab government and Lahore administration, urging authorities to immediately cease all related activities.

In a statement issued from Mansoorah, Ameerul Azeem expressed grave concern over the promotion of a non-Islamic tradition that endangers public safety. He criticized the government for playing with people's lives and promoting a festival that has historically led to tragic incidents.

His remarks came in the wake of a recent fatality in Lahore's Mozang area, where a 21-year-old youth lost his life after being struck by a kite string. Ameerul Azeem offered condolences to the bereaved family and called the incident a painful reminder of the dangers associated with Basant. 'Basant is not an Islamic celebration; it is rooted in Hindu customs and has repeatedly claimed innocent lives,' he stated. Despite an official ban, he noted, many individuals continue to suffer injuries and fatalities due to hazardous kite-flying practices.

He demanded strict action against those violating the ban and called on the government to refrain from engaging in or facilitating any Basant-related activities. 'This bloody sport must not be allowed to return under any guise,' he emphasized.