Punjab bans outdoor drone flights for 30 days

Punjab bans outdoor drone flights for 30 days

LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed a 30-day ban on outdoor drone flights across the province, citing security, public safety and law-and-order concerns.

The Punjab Home Department issued the order on **August 23, 2026**, under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. The restriction covers all 41 districts of the province and will remain in effect for 30 days unless the government withdraws it earlier.

According to the Home Department, authorities received credible reports indicating that the growing and unregulated use of drones could threaten public and private property, interfere with official activities and create security risks.

The department said the restriction aims to protect people, important installations and buildings from potential threats while maintaining peace and public order.

Indoor and Special-Purpose Use Exempt

The ban applies specifically to **outdoor drone operations**, while certain activities remain exempt.

Small drones can still operate indoors at venues such as halls and marquees, provided organizers ensure their safe use within a controlled and confined space.

The government has also allowed drone operations for **agriculture, irrigation, research and other approved purposes**, but users must first obtain written permission from the **Safe Drone Usage Committee (SDUC).

The Punjab Home Department constituted the SDUC on **July 7, 2026**, to oversee and regulate permitted drone activities.

The authorities have stressed that the exemptions do not provide a blanket permission for drone use. Individuals, organizations and institutions carrying out approved activities must comply with the conditions set by the relevant authorities and obtain the required written authorization before operating drones outdoors.

The restriction is also expected to affect commercial and recreational drone users, including those who use drones for photography, filming and coverage of public events. Such users will have to suspend outdoor operations during the ban unless their activities fall under an approved exemption.

Orders Issued for Immediate Compliance

The Home Department has circulated copies of the notification to the Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police Punjab, divisional commissioners, regional police officers, deputy commissioners and city and district police officers.

The department directed all relevant authorities to ensure immediate implementation of the restrictions.

Officials said the measure seeks to prevent any disruption to public peace and protect lives and property amid concerns over unauthorized drone operations, particularly around public gatherings, sensitive installations and densely populated urban areas.

The government will review the restrictions as circumstances develop and may withdraw the order before the 30-day period expires.