Punjab Announces Total Ban on Drone Usage

In a major development, the Government of Punjab has announced a complete ban on drone usage across the province with immediate effect. The decision comes in response to rising security threats, unauthorized surveillance activities, and increasing complaints of misuse of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in both urban and rural areas.

The blanket ban applies to individuals, private companies, vloggers, media outlets, and even hobbyists, unless they obtain special written permission from relevant authorities.

• The Punjab Home Department has issued a notification banning all drone operations without prior approval.

• The decision is aimed at addressing national security threats, privacy violations, and smuggling incidents.

• Violators will face strict legal action under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act.

• Surveillance, recreational, or commercial drone use is not permitted without a security clearance.

• Law enforcement agencies and rescue departments will be exempted from this ban under regulated guidelines.

According to the official notification issued by the Punjab Home Department:

“All types of drone operations are hereby banned across the province until further notice. Only approved entities with explicit written permission from the Home Department or relevant district administration will be allowed to operate UAVs.”

The notification has been circulated to:

• All Deputy Commissioners

• Regional Police Officers

• Civil Aviation Authority

• Local governments and municipal corporations

The sudden but comprehensive move follows a number of incidents and intelligence reports, including:

• Drones spotted flying near sensitive installations and military zones

• Unauthorized filming of private properties and government buildings

• Use of drones in drug and weapon smuggling near border areas

• Concerns over terrorist surveillance activities

• Invasion of citizens’ privacy in residential neighborhoods

A senior official from the Punjab Police stated:

“Drones are increasingly being used for surveillance and delivery in ways that pose a direct threat to law enforcement and civilians. We cannot allow these devices to compromise public safety.”

The ban applies to a wide range of individuals and sectors, including:

• Content creators and vloggers using drones for aerial videography

• Event organizers filming weddings, rallies, or festivals

• Surveying companies using drones for construction or agriculture

• Delivery services experimenting with drone-based logistics

• Media channels capturing aerial news coverage

Only military, police, rescue services (Rescue 1122), and government-authorized research agencies will be permitted to use drones under strict regulation.

According to the Punjab Home Department:

• Any individual found violating the ban will be charged under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant).

• If the drone use is linked to terrorism or spying, charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) may also apply.

• Equipment may be confiscated, and violators may be fined or imprisoned.

Local police stations have been instructed to monitor online purchases of drones and follow up on community complaints.

Many countries have introduced strict regulatory frameworks for UAV usage instead of outright bans. Examples include:

• United States (FAA): Drones must be registered; commercial use requires certification.

• India: All drone flights must be registered and geo-fenced. No-fly zones near military areas.

• UK: Drones over 250g must be registered; flying near airports is illegal.

Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has yet to launch a comprehensive national drone policy, leading provinces like Punjab to take independent action.

The Punjab Government's total ban on drone usage marks a significant moment in Pakistan's tech and security landscape. While the decision aims to prevent misuse and protect sensitive zones, it also raises questions about the future of innovation, tech content, and smart surveillance.