Punjab Bans Outdoor Drone Flights for 30 Days Over Security Concerns
LAHORE, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: The Punjab government has imposed a 30-day ban on flying drones in outdoor areas across the province, citing security concerns and the need to protect public safety and property.
The Punjab Home Department issued the restriction under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, directing administrations and police across the province to strictly enforce the order.
Under the notification, drone operations in open-air locations are prohibited for the duration of the order. The Home Department said the measure was introduced in view of prevailing security concerns and to maintain law and order.
The restriction, however, includes several exemptions. Small drones may be used on a limited basis to cover indoor events held inside halls and marquees, with organisers responsible for ensuring their safe operation.
Intelligence agencies and law-enforcement institutions performing official duties are also exempt from the restriction.
The Punjab Home Department has additionally established district-level Safe Drone Usage Committees, which can provide written permission for drone operations in specified circumstances.
According to the notification, drones used for agricultural, irrigation and research purposes may operate after receiving written authorisation from the relevant district committee. Operations conducted with such approval will be exempt from the general ban.
Punjab has repeatedly imposed or extended restrictions on outdoor drone operations during 2026 because of security concerns. An earlier extension announced in August similarly prohibited outdoor flights while permitting authorised agricultural, irrigation and research use through district-level committees.
The province has also been developing counter-drone capabilities. Earlier this year, the Punjab Home Department announced plans for anti-drone units in all districts, including systems designed to detect or disable potentially hostile drones.
The latest notification means recreational and other unauthorised outdoor drone operators should refrain from flying during the 30-day restriction, while users seeking an exemption for approved purposes must follow the authorisation process specified by the provincial authorities.
