Punjab imposes Section 144 near airports

The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 for 30 days around airports and PAF bases across the province. The order bans pigeon homing, laser lights and throwing meat within a 13km radius due to aviation safety concerns.

LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 for 30 days to prohibit several activities in the vicinity of airports and Pakistan Air Force bases across the province, citing risks to flight operations and aviation assets.

According to a Home Department notification dated May 19, the restrictions were introduced after authorities said certain activities near these sites could create hazards for aircraft movement and related infrastructure. The notification said pigeon homing, the use of laser lights, and the throwing of meat as sadqa for carnivorous birds around air bases and airports may endanger aviation safety.

The order stated that there were sufficient grounds to act under Section 144 as an immediate step to prevent any disturbance to public peace and to protect lives, property and public tranquility.

Activities banned within 13km radius

Under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Home Department secretary banned pigeon homing, the use of laser lights by hotels, shopping malls and shops, and the throwing of meat in open spaces or on rooftops.

The restrictions apply in and around the funnel area of all PAF bases and commercial airports in Punjab within a radius of 13 kilometres. The ban has taken effect immediately and will remain in force for 30 days.

The notification described the prohibited activities as a serious threat to flight operations and aviation assets. The measures were being enforced as a preventive step in the interest of public safety.

Concern over bird activity before Eidul Azha

The disposal of meat near airports during Eidul Azha has been identified as a particular concern because it attracts birds. Bird activity in such areas poses a serious threat to flight safety, passengers and nearby surroundings.

Authorities have in recent years also run awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging such practices in order to reduce the risk of bird-related incidents near airports.

The latest order covers all PAF bases and commercial airports in the province and focuses on activities that officials believe could interfere with safe aviation operations. The government’s notification links the restrictions directly to the need for immediate prevention and the protection of public safety around sensitive aviation locations.