The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 within a 13-kilometre radius of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) airbases and commercial airports across the province for 30 days, introducing restrictions aimed at ensuring aviation safety and preventing disruptions to flight operations.
Read More: Punjab govt extends Section 144 restrictions on drone use
According to an official notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, activities such as pigeon flying, use of laser lights and dumping meat or other waste have been strictly prohibited in the designated areas. Authorities said these practices pose serious risks to aircraft operations by attracting birds and debris near runways.
پاک فضائیہ کی تمام ائیر بیسز اور ہوائی اڈوں کو محفوظ بنانے کیلئے دفعہ 144 نافذ
محکمہ داخلہ پنجاب نے ہوائی اڈوں اور ائیربیسز کے گردونواح 13 کلومیٹر کے دائرہ میں دفعہ 144 نافذ کردی
دفعہ 144 کے تحت مذکورہ علاقوں میں کبوتر بازی، لیزر لائٹ کے استعمال اور آلائشیں و گوشت پھینکنے پر… pic.twitter.com/niIuILpyVr
— Mahtab Abbasi (@MahtabAbbasi11) May 21, 2026
The order, enforced under Section 144(6) of the Criminal Procedure Code, is intended to safeguard human lives, protect property and ensure smooth aviation operations. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to implement the restrictions and monitor compliance around sensitive airport zones.
Officials added that special cleanliness measures will also be carried out in and around airport premises to reduce hazards that could interfere with air traffic. The decision comes as part of broader efforts to improve aviation safety standards across Punjab’s key transport hubs.
The move follows recent incidents highlighting operational risks at airports. In one case, a flight at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport was delayed after a dog was spotted on the runway shortly before take-off. The aircraft, operating as Airblue flight PA-208 from Karachi to Islamabad, had to be halted as safety protocols were activated by air traffic control.
According to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the situation was managed according to established safety procedures, and the aircraft was later cleared for departure after the runway was secured.
Authorities say such incidents underline the importance of strict enforcement of safety regulations around airports to prevent potential hazards and ensure uninterrupted flight operations.
Read More: Section 144 extended in Punjab to maintain public safety
The new restrictions are expected to remain in place for one month, during which monitoring and enforcement will be intensified in and around all major aviation facilities in the province.