Manend Team 
ISLAMABAD, (MANEND NEWS): Prime Minister Imran Khan has
approved establishment of Civil Drone Authority for the purpose of
putting in place an institutionalized mechanism to facilitate
development and regulation of the sector.
Addressing a meeting in Islamabad, Prime Minister Imran Khan stated
that employing drone technology for commercial, research and
development, agricultural and other peaceful purposes was the need of
the hour.
He observed that establishment of drone authority will not only fill the
existing vacuum due to non-availability of law to regulate this
important sector but will also be instrumental in promotion and
domestic production of this critical technology. He said that effective
use of drone technology in various sectors will help in resource
optimization and better service delivery.
The Prime Minister directed that the process of legislation for
establishment of authority be completed on priority and the bill is
introduced in the bill after its approval by the Cabinet.
The Civil Drone Authority will be mandated to regulate and control
unmanned aircraft system in the country will decide matters relating to
licensing, import, manufacturing, examination and issuance of drone
permits.
The Authority will also develop standards for manufacturing,
operations, training and research and development. Besides it will also
provide technical guidance to industrial sector to facilitate domestic
manufacturing.
It will also be empowered to impose fines and penalties, including
cancellation of license and registration besides initiation of legal
proceedings against under the prevailing civil and criminal laws.
Headed by Secretary Aviation, the composition of Authority includes
senior level representation from PAF, Civil Aviation, Defense
Production, Interior and Ministry of Science and Technology. It also
includes representative each from the federating units including Azad
Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Three eminent experts of the field will
also be members authority.
