Section 144 imposed in Murree ahead of Eidul Azha

Punjab Home Department imposes Section 144 for 30 days around airports, PAF bases

The Punjab government on Thursday imposed Section 144 in Murree and around airports and PAF bases ahead of Eidul Azha, aiming to manage crowds, ensure public safety, and prevent any untoward incidents during the holiday period.

According to a notification issued by the Murree Deputy Commissioner, stated that only families would be allowed entry to Mall Road Murree during the upcoming Eidul Azha holidays as the district administration moved to manage expected tourist congestion and maintain law and order

“During the Eidul Azha holidays, a large influx of tourists is expected in Murree, which is likely to cause difficulty in maintaining law and order, ensuring smooth traffic flow, and avoiding any untoward situation," it said.

It further added that the police also recommended allowing only families on Mall Road, Murree, in order to facilitate tourists.

 

The administration imposed Section 144 under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) across the area, with a specific ban on non-family gatherings. The order reads that "any type of gatherings other than families" within the vicinity of Mall Road shall not be allowed access to the area.

Authorities warned that strict action would be taken against violators during the enforcement period, while the restrictions would remain in force for 11 days, from May 20 to May 31. 

Read: Govt declares May 26-28 public holidays for Eidul Azha

In a separate notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, Section 144 was imposed for 30 days around airports and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases across the province, banning several activities considered a threat to aviation safety.

بہ تسلیمات نظامتِ اعلیٰ تعلقاتِ عامہ پنجاب، لاہور
توصیف صبیح گوندل، ڈائریکٹر پبلک ریلیشنز، محکمہ داخلہ پنجاب
ہینڈ آؤٹ

پنجاب میں تمام ہوائی اڈوں اور پاک فضائیہ کی ائیر بیسز کے گرد دفعہ 144 نافذ
دفعہ 144 کے تحت ہوائی اڈوں اور ائیر بیسز کے گرد 13 کلومیٹر میں کبوتر بازی، لیزر لائٹ… pic.twitter.com/y8kl9qYa3i

— Home Department Punjab (@homedptpunjab) May 21, 2026

According to the notification, based on information received from reliable sources, that certain activities — including pigeon homing, the use of laser lights, and the disposal of meat (sadqa) in open areas for carnivorous birds — could “pose a serious risk to flight operations and aviation assets”.

It stated that there were sufficient grounds to impose restrictions under Section 144 as an “immediate prevention to disturbance of public peace, safety of lives and property of the public and tranquillity”.

Read More: Eid rush returns, inflation bites

The Home Department secretary imposed the restrictions under Section 144(6) of the CrPC. The ban applies within a 13-kilometre radius around all PAF bases and commercial airports in Punjab and came into effect immediately.

Officials said the disposal of meat near airports during Eidul Azha often attracts birds, creating hazards for aircraft operations and endangering passengers, flight safety and surrounding areas. Authorities added that awareness campaigns have been launched in recent years to discourage such practices and minimise risks to aviation operations.