Rawalpindi acts to secure its airspace
Over a dozen people were injured in aerial firing incidents in the city on New Year’s Eve. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
The Rawalpindi deputy commissioner has formed a 26-member joint operational team comprising police and civil defence personnel to enforce the permanent ban on aerial firing, pigeon flying and kite flying in the vicinity of Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan in Chaklala.
This team has initiated a major operation in the airport areas, targeting specific locations such as Dhok Gangal, Dhok Lalyal, and Jahaz Ground. As part of this operation, the team has dismantled the large pigeon cages constructed on the rooftops of houses, plazas, and markets.
Additionally, numerous pigeons were confiscated, and legal action has been taken against 13 kite-flyers. Cases have been registered against the offenders at different police stations.
The deputy commissioner has established a formal operational team based on the strict directives of law enforcement agencies.
District Officer Civil Defence Talib Hussain has been appointed as the focal person for this team. The team consists of five officials from the District Council, seven officials from the Municipal Corporation, and 12 officials from the Volunteer Civil Defence.
Additionally, two female police officials have been included in the operational team. On the identification, these women officers clear the way to reach the giant cages of pigeons on the roofs, where the operational team proceeds to break the cages and seize them.
The team initiated action on Tuesday, the first day of operation. The team freed 14 pigeons from their cages in the specified locations. The District Officer of Civil Defence and head of the operational team confirmed the operation and mentioned that it was carried out based on his instructions.
He further stated that the deputy commissioner has enforced a permanent ban under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, with cases being filed against violators under Section 188. Those found guilty of breaching the ban will face a six-month imprisonment term and a fine of Rs100,000.
This restriction aims to ensure the safety of flights during take-off and landing at the airport. A strict warning has been issued to those who engage in pigeon flying, kite flying, and aerial firing in airport zones.
Further, pigeon enthusiasts have been instructed to relocate their cages to a secure location within two days, failing which all cages and pigeons will be seized. Individuals, including children and their elders, will face legal action for participating in kite-flying activities. There is a zero-tolerance policy in place for aerial firing, even during marriage functions. A case will be registered against the head of the house wherever there is aerial firing within the airport limits, and arrests will be made and sent to jail.
All civil defence volunteers in the designated areas have received instructions for monitoring. However, the police special branch will also provide a source report on which immediate action will be taken.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 3rd, 2024.