Security beefed up around Noor Khan Airbase
Pakistan Air Force jets display acrobatic skills during the rehearsal of the Pakistan Day parade in the federal capital. Photo: Online
Authorities at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Noor Khan Airbase have collaborated with Rawalpindi police to implement stringent security measures during the PAF’s flypast and rehearsals for the upcoming 23rd March Pakistan Day parade.
The directives aim to ensure safety and security around Noor Khan Airbase, the Funnel Area, and the designated flight path.
As part of the security restrictions, the enforcement of air traffic rules in the vicinity of Noor Khan Airbase will be rigorously monitored. Activities such as aerial firing, and flying pigeons and kites have been completely banned.
Rawalpindi police have intensified security in the areas surrounding Noor Khan Airbase, including the Funnel Area and the flight path. Additionally, strict monitoring has been started for individuals previously involved in aerial firing and pigeon flying incidents.
The Pakistan Air Force and Noor Khan Airbase authorities sent a letter to Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi, Syed Khurram Ali, and CPO Rawalpindi, Syed Khalid Hamdani. The letter underscores the potential hazards associated with aerial firing, pigeon and kite flying, and drone usage during flypast rehearsals, emphasising the importance of flight safety.
The preparations and rehearsals for the March 23 parade's flypast started in early March. The security survey proposed in the letter aims to detect and prevent activities that may pose a threat to aircraft and flight safety in the vicinity of the flight path and Funnel Area.
Furthermore, the directive specifies strict enforcement of bans on aerial firing, flying pigeons and kites, and flying drones from Gujar Khan GT Road to Islamabad Expressway, Khanna Bridge, and Noor Khan Air Base.
CPO Rawalpindi Khalid Hamdani has issued instructions to SP Pothohar, SP Saddar, and SP Rawal Division to ensure security within the limits of Rawalpindi in response to these recommendations. Consequently, Rawalpindi police have heightened security measures in the above-mentioned areas.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 12th, 2024.