Asia
Pakistan
PCAA — Civil Unmanned Aircraft Rules 2024 (not yet fully operational)
Pakistan published draft rules in 2024 providing for mandatory registration, but according to an official 2025 PCAA response the rules are not yet finalized or operationally enforced. The situation is fluid.
Figure from a draft regulation not yet in force: do not treat it as definitive.
Provided for under the new rules (registration within 180 days for existing owners) but not yet operationally enforced at the time of verification.
A 'remote pilot licence' is planned for drones over 250 g under the draft, not yet confirmed as operational.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: PCAA permit required to fly in prohibited/restricted/controlled airspace or for drones over 10 kg.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
The new 2024 rules are not yet fully in force: check the most recent status before flying.
Last checked: 2026-08
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Here the threshold usually depends on the drone's weight or whether it has a camera: below a certain weight, often 250 g, many systems don't require registration for recreational use. Check the note above and the official source to see whether your specific drone falls under the requirement. For Pakistan, the official reference remains Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). Provided for under the new rules (registration within 180 days for existing owners) but not yet operationally enforced at the time of verification.
How this usually works
Here the requirement depends on factors like the drone's weight, distance from people, or use case (recreational vs. commercial). The note above describes the most common case: if your situation is different, check the official source to see exactly which scenario applies to you before flying. The exam and certificate are handled by Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). A 'remote pilot licence' is planned for drones over 250 g under the draft, not yet confirmed as operational.
Other countries in Asia
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.