MUZAFFARABAD: The administration in Mirpur—home to a significant number of British-Kashmiris and other dual nationals in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)—has banned the installation of pigeon sheds or cages on rooftops of residential and commercial buildings in urban areas, citing law and order concerns.

The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner Yasir Riaz the other day, however received mixed reactions from citizens, with some opposing and others supporting it.

“Pigeon-flying sheds have been constructed on rooftops across Mirpur city, where competitions and betting are taking place. These activities have led to frequent fights and conflicts among pigeon-flying groups,” the order read.

It noted that while the Punjab government had recently removed such sheds from urban areas, their numbers were increasing in Mirpur, raising concerns about public peace.

In view of the situation, it has become necessary to impose a ban on these activities, under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, to maintain law and order in the city, the order said, adding that no individual, landlord, or tenant within the urban/municipal limits of this district shall construct/install sheds, cages, platforms, or enclosures for pigeons on the rooftops of houses.

The ban, effective for two months, warned of legal action under Section 188 of the Penal Code for violations.

The decision sparked a heated debate on social media, with some lawyers among the most vocal critics.

AJK Bar Council member Raja Inamullah questioned why keeping pigeons was considered a crime, comparing it to owning other animals like cows or goats.

He urged the administration to focus on more pressing issues instead of restricting hobbies.

Former District Bar Association president Kamran Tariq called the notification “foolish,” arguing that the ban in Punjab applied only to areas near airports and that too under proper legislation.

“There is no chance of an airport being built in Mirpur for the next 50 years,” he asserted.

He claimed that pigeon flying was a recognized sport worldwide, with registered associations organizing competitions.

“If betting or fighting occurs, the administration should take action against the persons involved, rather than banning the activity altogether.”

Lawyers Sardar Aftab Khan and Muhammad Luqman echoed similar sentiments.

However, senior journalist Sajjad Jarral challenged their stance, arguing that pigeon flying was causing disruptions.

“Every street now has rooftop pigeon sheds. Disputes are frequent, pigeons invade others’ sheds, and fights break out. Youngsters jump across rooftops, massive searchlights are installed, neighbours lose access to their rooftops, and children spend entire days up there,” he noted.

Azeem Mushtaq Chaudhry, former president of AJK Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also defended the hobby.

“One by one, all hobbies are being eliminated. Nowhere in the world is this hobby banned. Fights and disputes can occur in any game, but the solution is not a ban. Pigeon keeping and competitions take place worldwide, especially in Europe, the UK, and the US, where there are no restrictions,” he wrote.

Nadeem Iqbal, a travel agency employee, pointed out that there were many other healthy hobbies and sports to pursue.

He recalled a recent firing incident linked to a pigeon-flying dispute, which left one person seriously injured.

Another senior lawyer Najm-ul-Saqib weighed in, stressing the need for constructive activities for Mirpur’s youth.

“A healthy environment can be created by promoting sports fields, creative and educational opportunities, and social harmony. Young people should be able to pursue their interests without causing inconvenience to others,” he remarked.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2025