LAHORE — Citing critical security risks and the need to protect public peace, the Punjab Home Department has officially enforced a 30-day province-wide ban on all outdoor drone operations under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
The emergency directive, issued by the provincial home secretary, aims to preempt potential security vulnerabilities, curb illegal surveillance risks, and prevent any disruption to official state duties and law enforcement operations. Authorities emphasized that unrestricted aerial technology poses significant challenges in crowded urban environments, making a blanket restriction necessary during the prevailing security climate.
Under the newly instituted framework, the outdoor use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) remains strictly prohibited across all districts of Punjab. However, to accommodate routine private functions and commercial needs, the notification carves out specific exemptions. Small drones are permitted to be used for covering events held strictly inside enclosed venues such as marriage halls and marquees, provided that event organizers assume full responsibility for adhering to safety guidelines.
Additionally, the provincial government has established district-level Safe Drone Usage Committees to streamline legitimate commercial, agricultural, and research applications. These committees are authorized to review formal applications and issue written permissions for specific drone activities related to farming, crop monitoring, irrigation assessments, and scientific research. Authorized operations explicitly cleared in writing by the relevant district committee remain exempt from the current prohibition.
Intelligence agencies and law enforcement bodies have also been granted a standard exemption to carry out security operations and intelligence-gathering tasks.
District administrations and police chiefs across the province have been directed to ensure the absolute implementation of the emergency directive without exception. Law enforcement personnel have been given the authority to intercept unauthorized devices and take immediate legal action against individuals or operators defying the temporary restrictions.
Provincial authorities have strongly urged researchers, commercial media operators, and citizens to cooperate fully, secure proper advance authorization before deploying any equipment, and comply strictly with safety regulations throughout the 30-day enforcement period.
