Lahore: The Punjab Home Department has extended for another 30 days a ban on flying drones in open spaces across the province under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, citing security concerns.
According to Punjab Home Department spokesperson, the ban on outdoor drone operations would remain in force throughout the province. The district administrations and police have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the orders.
The department clarified that limited use of small drones would be permitted during events held inside halls and marquees. However, the organisers would be fully responsible for ensuring safe use of drones during indoor events.
According to notification, intelligence and law enforcement agencies would remain exempt from the restriction.
The Home Department had also constituted district-level ‘Safe Drone Usage Committees’ to regulate the safe use of drones for specific purposes. Written permission from the respective committee would be required for the use of drones for agricultural, irrigation and research activities.
Drones covered by written permission issued by the district ‘Safe Drone Usage Committee’ would be exempt from the ban.
The spokesperson said the Punjab government had decided to continue the restriction in view of security concerns, adding that public safety, maintenance of law and order and protection of property remained among the government’s top priorities.
The restriction on outdoor drone use had been imposed by the Punjab Home Secretary under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.
The Punjab Home Department directed all district administrations and police authorities across the province to ensure strict compliance with the notification.
