PESHAWAR: The Government of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has imposed a temporary wide restriction on the outdoor flying of drones and other remotely piloted aerial devices as a precautionary measure in light of the prevailing security situation.
All outdoor operations of quadcopters, drones and similar aerial equipment by private individuals, commercial operators and organisations have been suspended until further notice, according to an official advisory issued by the Chief Secretary’s Office on Friday.
District administrations, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the restriction. Authorities warned that any unauthorised drone activity will result in legal action under relevant laws.
The provincial government has also urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures in the interest of collective security. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor gatherings, particularly near sensitive or official installations, and to remain vigilant in residential areas and public spaces.
The advisory further cautioned the public against approaching or handling unidentified flying object debris or suspicious aerial equipment found on the ground. Citizens have been instructed to immediately report such incidents to the nearest police station or district control room.
All government departments, attached offices, public sector entities and field formations have been directed to review and strengthen their security protocols. Authorities have advised restricting non-essential outdoor events within official premises and ensuring staff are aware of proper reporting procedures in case of suspicious aerial activity.
In case of recovery of any drone wreckage or unidentified device, officials said the area must be immediately cordoned off, with access restricted to authorised Bomb Disposal Units or trained personnel. Public access will remain prohibited until formal clearance is issued.
Officials emphasised that the measures are purely precautionary and aimed at enhancing vigilance and safeguarding public safety. Citizens have been urged to remain calm, cooperate with authorities and rely only on verified information from official sources.
Pakistan launched large-scale cross-border strikes into Afghanistan early Friday, killing 133 Taliban fighters, wounding more than 200, destroying 27 border posts, and capturing nine others in what officials described as a decisive response to unprovoked attacks along the Pakistan–Afghanistan frontier.
