Punjab Extends Outdoor Drone Ban for 30 Days Over Security Concerns
LAHORE: The Punjab government has extended its province-wide restrictions on flying drones in outdoor spaces for another 30 days, citing security concerns and the need to protect public safety. The renewed order keeps outdoor drone operations prohibited across Punjab while maintaining narrowly defined exemptions for security agencies and certain authorised activities.
According to the Punjab Home Department, the restrictions have been imposed under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. The department said administrations and police throughout the province have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order, making the extension applicable across Punjab rather than limiting it to particular districts or cities.
The order distinguishes between outdoor drone operations and limited indoor use. Small drones may still be operated during events held inside halls and marquees. However, responsibility for ensuring the safe operation of such devices will rest with event organisers, meaning the permission for indoor activity does not remove their obligation to manage drone use safely within the venue.
Intelligence and law enforcement agencies are exempt from the restriction. Their drone operations can therefore continue despite the wider prohibition on outdoor flights. The exemption preserves the ability of authorised state agencies to use unmanned aerial systems as required for their official functions while the temporary security restrictions remain in force.
The government has also created a permission route for drones used in agriculture, irrigation and research. Such operations will only be allowed after written approval is obtained from the district-level Safe Drone Usage Committee. The Home Department said drone activity falling within these specified purposes will be treated as exempt from the ban once the relevant committee grants written permission.
A Home Department spokesperson said protection of the public and property, along with maintaining law and order, remained among the Punjab government's primary considerations. The instructions to police and civil administrations indicate that authorities are expected to actively enforce the restrictions during the renewed 30-day period. Drone operators whose activities fall within agriculture, irrigation or research will consequently need to secure the required district-level approval before conducting outdoor flights.
The extension means general recreational and other unauthorised outdoor drone activity will remain restricted across Punjab for another month. During this period, district Safe Drone Usage Committees will serve as the approval mechanism for eligible specialised applications, while law enforcement and local administrations will oversee compliance. Any further change to the restrictions will depend on subsequent orders from the provincial authorities once the extended period reaches its end.