Pakistani authorities have imposed an immediate and complete ban on the use, possession and operation of drones and other remotely piloted aerial devices across Balochistan, citing concerns over surveillance, reconnaissance and the transport of contraband or explosives.
According to an official notification issued by the Balochistan Home Department, the ban applies to drones, UAVs, quadcopters, camcopters and similar aerial devices. The department said the restrictions were imposed due to the “likelihood of misuse” for espionage, intimidation and disruption of public order.
The notification said the measure was necessary to safeguard public safety, protect sensitive and vital installations, secure public gatherings and ensure the movement of important persons and convoys, including public and private property.
The ban was imposed under Sub-Section 6 of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and has come into effect immediately. It will remain in force until further orders.
Police and Frontier Corps personnel have been directed to strictly enforce the ban, with violations to be dealt with under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code and other applicable laws, while deputy commissioners have been instructed to submit daily compliance reports to the Home Department.
The notification clarified that police, Frontier Corps and other law-enforcement agencies are exempt from the restrictions.
The ban comes days after the Baloch Liberation Army announced the formation of its first aerial unit, “QAHR,” which it said had carried out drone operations during “Operation Herof II,” including what the group described as coordinated attacks on Gwadar Port. The order also follows rising regional tensions after Afghanistan reportedly used drones in retaliatory strikes near the border.