LAHORE: The City District Government of Lahore on Monday banned the use of helicam or drone cameras for covering various events in the city, imposing Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

However, the ban will not be applicable to media organisations if they get prior permission from the CDGL.

Know more: The ‘other’ drones

“We have banned the use of helicams/drone cameras after the Ministry of Defence has informed us in writing that the use of such flying devices by anyone except the authorised state agencies is already banned under certain rules and regulations related to civil aviation, etc,” District Coordination Officer retired Capt Muhammad Usman told Dawn.

He dubbed drone cameras as security hazard because these could be used by terrorists for dropping bombs or explosive material of up to 500 grams on the targeted spots.

About a mechanism for allowing media houses to use drone cameras while performing journalistic duties, the DCO said the news organisation could apply to him by mentioning names of reporters/cameramen, their expertise and duration of use in any event.

Conditional permission for media houses

“Though we are legally bound to avoid giving such permissions, we will allow the media people to do so in view of the norms of independence of journalism,” he said.

However, a workable mechanism was being prepared to allow the media people to use such devices, he said.

TRANSFER, POSTING: The Lahore Development Authority administration on Monday entrusted the additional charge of the post of Director Land Development-III to Muazzam Rasheed, presently working as Director Estate Management (QAT).

According to a spokesman, Muhammad Tajammul Kabir, Assistant Director (General Cadre), working in Directorate of Estate Management (QAT), was posted in the Directorate of Record Management.

Orders have also been issued for the mutual transfer of Sibtain Raza Qureshi and Chaudhry Furqan Siddique, assistant directors of law, presently working in the Directorate Estate Management (Private Housing Schemes) and the Directorate of Land Development-I.

DENGUE: All town municipal administrations have been asked to drain out the accumulated rainwater from the rooftops of all residential, commercial and industrial buildings without any delay.

The TMAs have also been directed by the CDGL to take action against those refusing to cooperate with officials in this regard.

Meanwhile, the CDGL has decided to make all Independence Day events successful by ensuring the participation of maximum number of people in on-going activities.

Published in Dawn, Aug 12th, 2014