Punjab Imposes Section 144 Near Airports and PAF Bases
The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 around airports and Pakistan Air Force bases across the province for 30 days, restricting several activities that officials say could endanger flight operations and aviation assets. The order was reported on Thursday and applies with immediate effect in designated areas surrounding sensitive air installations.
According to the provincial Home Department notification dated May 19, the restrictions target activities such as pigeon homing, the use of laser lights by hotels, malls and shops, and the throwing of meat in open spaces or on rooftops for birds. Authorities said these practices may create hazards for aircraft, passengers, air crews and defence infrastructure.
The ban has been enforced within a 13-kilometre radius of funnel areas around all commercial airports and PAF bases in Punjab. The move means local administrations and police can take action against violations during the restriction period, especially in districts where civilian and military air traffic operates close to residential or commercial settlements.
The Home Department said it had sufficient grounds to act under Section 144 as a preventive measure for public safety, protection of property and maintenance of order. The notification framed the step as an immediate precaution rather than a response to a single incident, reflecting official concern that routine public practices near air corridors can become serious aviation risks.
One of the key concerns is bird activity around airports. Throwing meat, particularly before and during Eidul Azha, can attract birds of prey and scavengers near flight paths, increasing the possibility of bird strikes during take-off or landing. Such incidents can damage aircraft engines, disrupt schedules and create emergency situations for pilots and passengers.
Laser lights are another concern for aviation authorities because they can distract or temporarily impair pilots during critical phases of flight. In densely populated urban centres, bright lights from commercial venues, wedding halls, shops or rooftop events can become dangerous when directed toward the sky near airports or airbases.
Pigeon keeping and pigeon flying are common in several Pakistani cities, including Lahore and other parts of Punjab. While often treated as a traditional recreational activity, officials have repeatedly warned that birds released near air corridors can interfere with aircraft movement and increase operational risks.
The latest order comes at a time when air safety and protection of strategic installations remain a priority for provincial and federal authorities. Punjab hosts several important airports and PAF facilities, making coordination between civil administration, law enforcement agencies and aviation authorities especially important.
The impact of the ban will be felt by residents, businesses and event organisers operating near airports and airbases. Local authorities are expected to monitor rooftops, commercial lighting, open meat disposal and bird-related activity while also running awareness efforts so that citizens understand the safety reasons behind the restrictions.
The next step will depend on enforcement by district administrations and whether compliance improves during the 30-day period. If risks persist, authorities may consider extending or revising the restrictions, particularly around Eidul Azha when meat disposal and bird movement traditionally increase across urban areas.