Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: China’s model drone technology will be used in Pakistan for commercial, research and development, agricultural and other peaceful purposes, says a report.
Impressed by the Drone laws in China, Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved the establishment of a Civil Drone Authority last Saturday. The report says, employing drone technology for development and peaceful purposes was the need of the hour in Pakistan.
According to Pakistani officials, Civil Drone Authority will be mandated to regulate and control the unmanned aircraft system in the country. It will also decide matters related to licensing, importing, manufacturing, examining and issuing of drone permits, the statement showed.
A higher official from Prime Minister’s office said that responsibilities ofthe authority will include developing standards for manufacturing, operations, training and research and development. Furthermore, it will also provide technical guidance to the industrial sector to facilitate domestic manufacturing.
“Civil drone authority will also have the power to impose fines and penalties, revoke licences and prosecute,” the statement said.
“Effective use of drone technology will help improve resource utilization and service delivery,” the statement quoted the PM as saying.
It is learnt that the secretary of the Aviation Division, will be the head of Civil Drone Authority. Its members will include senior level representations from the Pakistan Air Force, Civil Aviation, Defence Production, Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
“The involvement of all stakeholders will help the performance of the duties of the authority and better coordination between the institutions,” said the statement.
