LAHORE (Web Desk) – The Punjab Home Department has imposed a 30-day ban on outdoor drone flights across the province under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, citing security concerns and the need to regulate unmanned aerial activities.
According to a notification issued by the department, the restriction has been imposed by the Punjab home secretary under Section 144(6) of the law. Authorities across the province have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order.
The ban applies to outdoor drone operations, although certain activities may be permitted under specified conditions. Intelligence agencies and law enforcement organisations have been exempted from the restrictions.
The decision introduces a temporary regulatory framework for drone usage across Punjab, with district-level committees authorised to consider applications for operations in approved categories.
Limited permission for indoor events
The Home Department has allowed the limited use of small drones for event coverage inside halls and marquees.
However, organisers must ensure that drones are operated safely and that their use remains within the permitted scope of the event. The relaxation does not amount to general permission for outdoor drone flights, which remain subject to the restrictions.
Event organisers intending to use small drones should therefore ensure that their activities comply with the notification and any applicable safety requirements.
The conditions are intended to allow limited indoor coverage while maintaining controls over drone activities during the 30-day restriction period.
District committees to regulate drone operations
To manage applications for permitted activities, the provincial Home Department has established Safe Drone Usage Committees at the district level.
These committees will be responsible for reviewing requests and issuing written permission for drone operations falling within the authorised categories.
Drones may be used for agricultural activities, irrigation-related work and research purposes only after obtaining prior written approval from the relevant committee.
Operations authorised in writing by the committees will remain exempt from the general ban, provided they fall within the approved scope of the permission.
Applicants will need to obtain the required authorisation before conducting such activities. The notification establishes written approval as a key condition for drone use under the permitted exceptions.
The district-level arrangement is intended to provide a formal mechanism for assessing requests while ensuring that drone operations are conducted within the limits established by the provincial government.
Security agencies exempted from restrictions
The notification specifically exempts intelligence agencies and law enforcement organisations from the ban.
The exemption allows these agencies to carry out drone-related activities within their official responsibilities without being subject to the general restrictions imposed on other users.
The Home Department has not announced any broader exemption for private individuals or commercial operators beyond the categories and permissions outlined in the notification.
Private drone users, businesses and event organisers are therefore advised to distinguish between activities expressly permitted under the order and those covered by the outdoor flight ban.
Authorities directed to enforce the order
The provincial government has directed district administrations, police and other relevant authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the restrictions.
Law enforcement personnel and local officials are expected to monitor compliance with the notification and take action where necessary under the applicable law.
The 30-day duration makes the restrictions temporary, although the order does not specify whether they will be extended beyond the initial period.
Drone users should check the applicable requirements with the relevant district administration or Safe Drone Usage Committee before undertaking any activity that may require written authorisation.
The notification places particular emphasis on regulating outdoor flights while retaining limited exceptions for indoor events, agricultural work, irrigation and research.
The move establishes a province-wide framework for controlling drone operations during the restriction period, with enforcement responsibilities assigned to district administrations and police.
