The Punjab provincial administration has imposed an immediate and complete ban on external drone flights across the province, citing risks to public safety and security.
In a notification issued on Wednesday, the Punjab Home Department said unregulated use of drones poses potential risks to maintaining law and order, adding that such activities could hamper official functions, create law and order problems and disrupt the atmosphere of the province.
“It is essential to ensure the security of people and installations/buildings against any potential threats or untoward activities, in the greater interest of public safety, security, peace and tranquility and to avoid any untoward incident,” the notification read.
The department said there were “sufficient grounds” to invoke Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, to impose a ban on outdoor drone flying to prevent any disturbance to public peace, security of lives and property throughout Punjab.
“This ban will not apply to the use of small drones to cover indoor activities such as halls or marquees,” the provincial administration added.
The Punjab Home Department, however, said that safe use of these drones in a limited and confined indoor area (for events/functions) would be the responsibility of the organizer.
Intelligence and law enforcement agencies will be exempt from the ban, which will remain in effect for a period of 30 days from the date of issue or until it is removed earlier.
