LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department on Tuesday imposed Section 144 within a 15-kilometre radius of airports and air force bases across the province from June 5 to 20 in a bid to ensure flight safety, especially keeping in view the upcoming Eidul Azha.

The disposal of meat close to the airports in the aftermath of Eidul Azha to be celebrated later this week often attracts birds to the site, posing a serious threat to flight safety, passengers and nearby surroundings.

According to a notification, under Section 144, the following activities will remain banned within a 15-km radius of all airports and airbases: pigeon-flying, fireworks, use of drones and laser lights, and the dumping of sacrificial waste and Sadqa meat. The ban will remain in place till June 20.

The banned activities are termed as a “serious threat to flight operations” and the decision has been taken to ensure the protection of human lives and property.

All deputy commissioners have been directed to ensure special cleanliness arrangements at airports and their surrounding areas. In recent years, there have been multiple incidents of birds colliding with aircrafts in the country, disrupting flight operations.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2025