Punjab imposes 30-day ban on drones

LAHORE:

The government of Punjab has imposed an immediate and complete ban on outdoor drone flying across the entire province for 30 days.

According to a notification issued on Wednesday, the Home Department secretary imposed the ban using powers vested under section 144(6) of the "Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898".

It said credible reports and prevailing circumstances indicate that the increasing and unregulated use of drones within the territorial limits of Punjab poses potential risks to public safety, security of public and private property and the maintenance of public order.

"Such activity may cause obstruction to official duties, create law and order concerns, and disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the province," it said.

However, the ban shall not apply on use of small drones for coverage of indoor activities such as in halls or marquees but safe usage of such drones in a limited and confined indoor area for events/and functions shall be the responsibility of the organizer.

"Furthermore, this ban shall not be applicable to the use of drones by Intelligence and Law Enforcement Agencies. This Order shall remain in force for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of issuance or until withdrawn earlier, whichever comes first," the notification said.

Meanwhile, the main inter-provincial highway linking Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab reopened to traffic on Wednesday after remaining closed for several hours.

Authorities had sealed the road after a suicide attack at the inter-provincial check post in Bhakkar on Tuesday evening, leaving two police officials martyred, as a precautionary measure and launched a search operation.

Officials said the Dera Darya Khan bridge reopened for all traffic on Wednesday after consultations between the district administrations of Dera Ismail Khan and Bhakkar.

Traffic was restored once security clearance and necessary checks were completed. The Dajil check post is at the border of Dera Ismail Khan and Bhakkar.

The continued closure of the inter-provincial route caused significant inconvenience to travelers and transporters. Vehicles remained stranded for hours, and passengers were forced to seek alternative routes at additional expense.