LAHORE:The Punjab Home Department has imposed ban on outdoor drone flights for 30 days across the province under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, citing security concerns.
According to a Home Department spokesperson on Wednesday, the ban would apply to outdoor drone use, while limited use of small drones for coverage of events inside halls and marquees would be permitted.
The spokesperson said intelligence and law enforcement agencies had been exempted from the restriction. However, organisers would be responsible for ensuring the safe use of drones during indoor events.
The department had also established district-level Safe Drone Usage Committees to regulate drone operations. Written permission from the relevant committee would be required for drone use for agricultural, irrigation and research purposes, which would be exempt from the ban subject to approval.
The Home Department had directed district administrations and police across Punjab to ensure strict implementation of the order.
The spokesperson said public safety, maintenance of law and order, and protection of property remained the government’s top priorities.