Pakistan: Punjab govt imposes "immediate and complete" 30-day drone ban citing security risks

Lahore [Pakistan], February 25 (ANI): The Punjab government has enforced an "immediate and complete" ban on the outdoor operation of drones across the province for a duration of 30 days, citing significant threats to public safety, Dawn reported on Wednesday.
The provincial home department issued a formal notification under Section 144 (6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, stipulating that the restriction will remain in force "for a period of 30 days from the date of issuance or until withdrawn earlier".
According to the order available with Dawn, certain exceptions have been made for controlled environments. The notification clarified that the prohibition does not extend to the "use of small drones for coverage of indoor activities, such as in halls or marquees".
Additionally, the government stated that the ban does not apply to "drones used by intelligence and law enforcement agencies".
The home department justified the move by pointing to heightened security concerns. As per the Dawn report, the administration noted that "credible reports and prevailing circumstances indicate that the increasing and unregulated use of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) within the territorial limits of Punjab poses potential risks to public safety, the security of public and private property, and the maintenance of public order".
Officials further warned that such unregulated aerial activity "may cause obstruction to official duties, create law and order concerns, and disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the province".
The administration described the measure as "essential" for the "security of the people and installations/buildings against any potential threat or untoward activity, in the larger interest of public safety, security, peace, and tranquillity, and to avoid any untoward incident".
This development, noted by Dawn, follows a recent decision by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to approve the establishment of a specialised anti-drone unit.
The unit is intended to intercept potential terrorist threats, alongside a broader initiative to install advanced digital scanners at the province's primary entry and exit points. (ANI)