The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province and extended a ban on outdoor drone flying in open areas [1].
These measures are intended to prevent security breaches during the Muharram period and protect critical infrastructure. By limiting public gatherings and aerial surveillance, the state aims to mitigate risks to high-security zones and public safety.
The restrictions began on the first of Muharram [2]. According to the Punjab Home Department, the initial 30-day [3] imposition of Section 144 was later extended by an additional 30 days [4]. This extension ensures that security protocols remain in place through the high-risk window associated with the religious observances.
Specific geographic restrictions have been established to protect military and civil aviation assets. The ban applies strictly within a 13-kilometre radius of all Pakistan Air Force airbases and commercial airports [5]. This perimeter creates a buffer zone to prevent unauthorized aerial activity near sensitive installations.
While some reports describe the Section 144 order as applying to the entire Punjab province [1], other accounts focus on the specific 13-kilometre radius surrounding airfields and airports [5]. The measures combine general public order restrictions, and targeted aviation security to address multiple threat vectors simultaneously.
The government said the decision was based on the need to maintain law and order. The drone ban remains a priority to ensure that no unmanned aerial vehicles are used for reconnaissance or disruptive activities in open spaces during this period.
“The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province and extended a ban on outdoor drone flying.”
The extension of Section 144 and the drone ban reflects a preemptive security posture by the Punjab government to prevent potential instability during Muharram. By specifically targeting a 13-kilometre radius around aviation hubs, the state is prioritizing the protection of strategic military and commercial assets against the growing accessibility of consumer drone technology.
