LAHORE: The security agencies have recommended to the Punjab Police to ban unauthorised use of drones, directing them to make it feature of the security, particularly during Muharram across the province.

The security agencies came up with the proposal in the aftermath of a shocking incident in which Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro survived an alleged murderous attack when the two explosive-laden drones targeted him during a military parade last month.

An official, privy to the information, told Dawn the security agencies in their recommendations had asked the Punjab Police to obtain data of all the traders, markets, shoppers, wholesale dealers and all those dealing with the business of drones in the province. They asked the police high-ups to take surety bonds from them that they would sell the drones only to the authorised customers and would also get the record of the sellers and buyers registered with the police stations of their area. The agencies also pointed out various markets in Lahore as well as other major districts of the province running business of drones.

Initially, this new instructions were meant for the provincial capital only, the official said adding that keeping in view the scale of sensitivity during Muharram, the security agencies had recommended to the police high-ups to replicate it across the province to avoid any untoward happening.

“In order to make sure implementation on the instructions in letter and spirit, the security agencies also strongly recommended imposition of Section 144 of CrPC for the authorised use of drones in Punjab,” the official further said.

The section imposes a duty on every person aware of the commission or of the intention of any other person to commit any offences specified in the section to give forthwith information thereof to the nearest magistrate or police officer.

The official said the use of the drones had become an important feature of local functions, public meetings and parties in both public and private sectors.

The Punjab Police would face challenges in getting the new recommendations implemented in the largest province of the country due to its widespread use and availability in the market on the prices as low as Rs5,000 which went up Rs50,000.

The Lahore Capital City Police Officer confirmed the development, saying the police were fully committed to make sure implementations on the authorised use of the drones.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has imposed a ban on the use of drone cameras across the province.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2018