On the special invitation of the PIFTAC, Dr Usman Askari, Chairperson, Department of Political Science and International Relations (DPSIR), University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, participated in an expert session on the regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Pakistan.
The session brought together leading experts and distinguished panellists from prominent institutions, including LUMS, ITU, FCCU and NSPP, to deliberate on the evolving regulatory landscape of drone technologies and their growing implications for Pakistan’s national security, governance, technological innovation and commercial development.
During the discussion, Dr Usman Askari shared insights into China’s regulatory framework for military and commercial drones, highlighting how Beijing approaches the governance of unmanned aerial systems through the intersection of national security, technological advancement, state oversight and commercial applications. He also discussed the relevance of China’s experience for Pakistan as it seeks to develop a balanced and effective regulatory framework for the rapidly expanding UAV sector.
The discussion underscored the importance of a comprehensive policy approach that reconciles security imperatives with technological progress, supports responsible innovation, strengthens institutional coordination and facilitates the legitimate civilian and commercial use of drone technologies.