WEBDESK: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has banned drones and camcopters in the federal capital for two months under Section 144. The order follows security concerns ahead of Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations on 14 August.
The ban does not apply to law enforcement agencies or the district administration, Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner said.
Islamabad Parks closed for 13 August holiday
The administration has announced that Lake View Park, Daman-e-Koh, Pakistan Monument and Shakarparian will be closed on Wednesday, 13 August. These sites will be off-limits to the public to allow preparations for the celebrations.
All hiking trails in the Margalla Hills including Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5 and the trail behind Saidpur Village will also remain closed on the same day.
The measures aim to facilitate large-scale events planned across the capital, including an airshow by the Pakistan Air Force.
Ban on fireworks and kite flying in twin cities
In both Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the police and district administrations have been ordered to enforce a ban on fireworks, aerial firing, quadcopters, drones, kite flying and pigeon flying during the celebrations on 13 and 14 August.
The restrictions will be in force around Shakarparian Parade Ground, Sports Complex, and within a five-kilometre radius of PAF Base Nur Khan. The area will be declared a weapon-free zone.
High-rise buildings and sensitive locations along the flypast route will be monitored. Police pickets will be set up on all main roads leading to the parade venue. Work on under-construction buildings in the area will be halted temporarily.
Residents in nearby areas will receive text alerts stating they have entered a “no firing/weapons-free zone” and will be encouraged to report violations to the police.
The authorities have stressed that these steps are necessary to protect aircraft taking part in low-altitude flypasts, which could be endangered by fireworks, aerial firing, drones, or bird strikes.
All police leaves in Islamabad have been cancelled until 14 August to ensure maximum deployment during the celebrations.
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