Helicam banned for covering events in Lahore

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.

“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.

“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.