ISLAMABAD: 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, the Prime Minister 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.