PHC petitioned to regulate drone camera use

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday issued notices to the federal government and the chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), directing them to submit replies within 14 days in response to a petition seeking regulation of drone camera usage.

The petition came up for hearing before a two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Naeem Anwar and Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel. During the proceedings, the petitioner Muhammad Hamdan Advocate informed the court that the increasing use of drone cameras across the country posed serious concerns due to the absence of specific laws governing their operation.

He argued that while drone cameras were now commonly used by individuals and media outlets, this unregulated usage threatened the security of sensitive sites and infringed on the privacy of ordinary citizens.

“Our request is that a comprehensive law be enacted to regulate the use of drone cameras,” the petitioner told the court.Justice Naeem Anwar remarked that the court would seek a response from the relevant authorities. The bench subsequently issued notices to the federal government and Pemra, asking them to submit their responses within two weeks.