The Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 across the province and extended a ban on drone usage in open areas [1].
These measures are intended to prevent public disorder and incitement during the upcoming Basant celebrations. The restrictions target the potential for volatility in high-density areas, including Lahore, where the festival often draws large crowds [2].
Under the new orders, the government has extended the existing ban on drones for an additional 30 days [1]. This restriction applies to the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles in open spaces to address ongoing security concerns [1].
Section 144 is a colonial-era law that allows the government to prohibit the assembly of four or more people in a public space. The Punjab Home Department said the move is necessary to maintain public order [2].
Authorities are focusing on preventing illegal gatherings that could lead to violence or civil unrest. The drone ban serves as a complementary security layer to monitor and control the airspace over the province during this period [1].
Local law enforcement is expected to increase patrols in urban centers to ensure compliance with the restrictions. The government said the orders remain in effect to safeguard the population during the festivities [2].
“The Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 across the province.”
The use of Section 144 indicates a preemptive security posture by the Punjab government to mitigate risks associated with the Basant festival. By combining assembly restrictions with a 30-day drone ban, authorities are attempting to limit both ground-level volatility and aerial surveillance or interference, reflecting a cautious approach to public safety and provincial stability.
