A high-level meeting was convened to address concerns over bird cages within the 8 km Bird Hazard Control Zone surrounding Lahore Airport, with the aim of enhancing safety for both aviation operations and local bird populations. The meeting brought together Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Mr. Nayab, President of the Pigeons Association, alongside senior representatives from wildlife and municipal authorities.
Participants included Mr. Adnan Ali Virk, Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger for the Lahore Region, and Mr. Amir Munir Malik, Director of Food at the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL). The discussion centered on developing strategies to mitigate potential bird strike hazards, which pose significant risks to aircraft, while considering the welfare of captive and wild birds within the hazard zone.
As a key outcome of the meeting, stakeholders agreed to arrange a follow-up session with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The main purpose will be to devise clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the maintenance and regulation of pigeon cages in the designated zone. This coordinated initiative reflects a commitment to a balanced approach that safeguards both flight safety and local wildlife interests.
