Punjab Imposes Section 144 Restrictions Around Airports and PAF Bases
By Tanveer Ahmed :
The Punjab Home Department has imposed a 30-day ban on several activities around airports and Pakistan Air Force bases across the province under Section 144, citing concerns over aviation safety and public security.
According to a notification issued on May 19, the provincial government said certain activities, including pigeon homing, the use of laser lights, and throwing meat or sadqa in open areas, could pose a “serious risk” to flight operations and aviation assets.
The notification stated that authorities received credible information indicating that such activities near air bases and airports could endanger aircraft operations and public safety. The government said there were sufficient grounds to invoke Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) as an immediate preventive measure to maintain public peace and protect lives and property.
Under the order, the following activities have been banned within a 13-kilometre radius of all commercial airports and PAF bases across Punjab:
- Pigeon homing and flying pigeons
- Use of laser lights by hotels, shopping malls, shops and other establishments
- Throwing meat or animal remains in open spaces or on rooftops
The restrictions have been enforced with immediate effect and will remain in place for 30 days.
Authorities noted that the disposal of meat and animal waste near airports, particularly during Eidul Azha, attracts birds that can interfere with aircraft operations and increase the risk of bird strikes.
Bird strikes are considered a major aviation hazard worldwide, especially during takeoff and landing phases. In recent years, awareness campaigns have been conducted in Pakistan urging citizens to avoid disposing of sacrificial waste in open areas near airports and airfields.
Officials said the latest measures are aimed at ensuring safe flight operations and protecting both military and civilian aviation infrastructure across the province.
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