The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has imposed a ban on kite flying in areas surrounding Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport to ensure the safe movement of aircraft, officials said on Monday.

According to an official letter, Section 144 has been enforced in several localities adjacent to the airport, prohibiting kite flying as a preventive safety measure. The decision was taken in consultation with provincial and district authorities.

The ban applies to Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Lahore’s P, Q, R, and S blocks. Kite flying has also been prohibited in Bhutta Chowk, Nishat, Ali View Garden, Ali Pak, Nadirabad, Taj Bagh, Joray Pull, Alfaisal Town, and areas adjacent to the Canal Bank.

The PAA said the restriction aims to prevent potential hazards to aircraft during landing and take-off operations. Under Section 144, action will be taken against violators in the notified areas.

The Punjab government is expected to issue a formal notification regarding the ban in the coming days, the letter said.