LAHORE: The Punjab’s government has imposed a 30-day complete ban on outdoor drone operations across the province, citing potential security threats.
The decision, announced through a formal notification by the provincial Home Department, has raised fresh questions about emerging risks and the broader security landscape.
In this regard, as per the notification, all outdoor drone flights have been prohibited with immediate effect. The directive applies uniformly across the province and will remain in force for the next 30 days.
The Home Department clarified that the restriction specifically targets outdoor drone activity. However, limited use of small drones will still be permitted inside halls and marquees during private events, subject to compliance with relevant regulations.
Importantly, law enforcement agencies and intelligence institutions have been exempted from the ban, allowing them to continue operational use where required.
It does not elaborate in detail on the precise nature of the threats that prompted the decision.
The district administration in Rawalpindi has swiftly moved to implement the order. In this sense, a comprehensive enforcement plan has been prepared to ensure strict compliance with the ban.
The sudden imposition of the ban has created discussion among drone operators, event organizers, and commercial users who rely on aerial filming.
As the 30-day period begins, questions remain about whether further measures could follow and what developments, if any, led to this sweeping province-wide action.
