Lahore: The Punjab Home Department has announced a 30-day prohibition on outdoor drone flying throughout the province under Section 144, citing security concerns as the primary reason for the restriction. According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, this decision aims to address potential safety issues associated with the outdoor use of drones.

The ban, however, allows for limited use of small drones for indoor events such as those held within halls and marquees, with the responsibility for safe usage resting on the event organizers. The notification from the Punjab Home Department also details exemptions for intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

In a move to regulate drone usage effectively, district-level “Safe Drone Usage Committees” have been set up. These committees are tasked with granting written permission for drone use in agriculture, irrigation, and research, which will be exempt from the general ban. The Secretary Home Punjab has issued the notification under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, directing district administrations and police across Punjab to enforce the orders strictly. Public safety, law and order, and the protection of property remain priorities for the Government of Punjab, according to the department spokesperson.