Section 144 Imposed Across Punjab with a 30-Day Ban on Outdoor Drone Flying; Organizers Held Responsible for Safe Usage, While District ‘Safe Drone Usage Committees’ Authorized to Grant Exemptions
LAHORE: The Punjab government Home Department has officially declared a total ban for flying of drones in open areas of Punjab for 30 days, due to critical security issues, a notification issued earlier today.
The provincial government took the step because of the growing threats in security, the Punjab Home Department spokesperson said. The limited use of small drones will still be permitted, but only for event coverage within enclosed halls and marquees and the full responsibility will lie with the event organizers to ensure their safe operation.
Restriction Enforced under Section 144(6) of code of criminal procedure (CrPC) and Exemptions: The Home Secretary of Punjab had imposed the ban under Section 144(6) of the code of criminal procedure (CrPC) and granted exemptions.
The ban does not apply to intelligence agencies and law enforcement.The Home Department has set up district-level “Safe Drone Usage Committees” to expedite all the necessary operations.
These committees have the power to approve a written application to use a drone for agricultural, irrigation and research operations without restriction.Strict Compliance Directions: Administration and Police departments in all districts of Punjab have been ordered to ensure strict and complete adherence of the new orders in the forthcoming period of 30 days.