Govt mandates drones' registration, places licence requirement for certain UAVs

The federal government of Pakistan has mandated the registration of all unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, under the new "Civil Unmanned Aircraft Rules, 2024." According to the rules released by the Ministry of Aviation, this measure is aimed at regulating the use of drones and ensuring their safe operation within the country.

Key points of the new regulations include:

1. **Mandatory Registration**: All drones must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This applies to both individuals who already possess drones and those who will acquire them after the rules come into effect.

2. **Registration Timeline**:
   - **Existing Drone Owners**: Individuals who already own drones have four months from the effective date of the new rules to register their UAVs.
   - **New Drone Owners**: Those acquiring drones after the implementation of the new regulations will have 15 days to register their drones.

3. **Application Details**: The registration application must include the intended use of the drone. Each registered UAV will be assigned a unique identifier consisting of both letters and numbers.

4. **Limit on Registration**: Individuals are restricted to registering a maximum of three drones of a specific category within a single calendar year.

This regulatory framework is designed to enhance the oversight of drone operations, promote safety, and address concerns related to the misuse of UAVs. The introduction of these rules reflects the government's commitment to keeping up with technological advancements and ensuring that drone usage is aligned with national security and public safety interests.