After 13 August holiday, Islamabad bans drones, closes park and trails

ISLAMABAD: After announcing 13 August holiday, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has banned drones and camcopters within the aerial limits of the federal capital for two months under Section 144.

According to Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner (DC), the decision to ban unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) was taken due to security threats.

However, he clarified that the ban does not apply to the district administration or law enforcement agencies.

Parks closed

The district administration has also announced that Lake View Park, Daman-e-Koh, Pakistan Monument, and Shakarparian will remain closed closed for 13 August holiday.

Lake View Park, Daman-e-Koh, Pakistan Monument, and Shakarparian shall remain closed on 13th August, 2025 (Wednesday) for the general public in the Federal Capital. pic.twitter.com/sokX1dipid

— DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) August 12, 2025

The general public will not be allowed to enter the parks in view of Independence Day celebrations kicking off in the capital tomorrow (Wednesday).

No movement on trails

The administration has also ordered the closure of all hiking trails in the Margalla Hills on Wednesday.

According to a notification issued by the DC Islamabad, “Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5 & Trail behind Saidpur Village shall remain closed on 13th August, 2025 (Wednesday) for the general public in Federal Capital.”

Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, and the trail behind Saidpur Village shall remain closed on 13th August, 2025 (Wednesday) for the general public in the Federal Capital. pic.twitter.com/f7jFDCPbdX

— DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) August 12, 2025

The decision to announce 13 August holiday and to close parks and trails aims at facilitating preparations for Independence Day celebrations on August 14, as large-scale events are planned across the city including an airshow planned by the Pakistan Airforce.

Pakistan to mark the 79th Independence Day on August 14 and celebrate the country’s victory in Marka-e-Haq with national zeal. The government has announced a public holiday for the occasion.

Special ceremonies have been planned in the federal capital, all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Government buildings are being illuminated and adorned with patriotic motifs, while themed floats will depict key moments from the national struggle.