The move comes amid Section 144 restrictions on drone use, protests following Khamenei’s assassination
LAHORE:
In a first for the country, the Punjab government has decided to establish dedicated anti-drone units in every district of the province, marking a significant step towards modernizing law enforcement capabilities for aerial surveillance and counter-terrorism.
The newly formed units will conduct aerial surveillance across their respective districts using specialized drone fleets. An anti-drone system equipped with jammers capable of disabling hostile or unauthorized drones will also be deployed.
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Both the anti-drone units and systems will operate under the direct supervision of the respective District Police Officer (DPO), with surveillance drones and equipment allocated as per operational requirements.
The decision was taken in accordance with modern counter-terrorism requirements and efforts to maintain law and order. Authorities said the move reflects a broader push to strengthen police capabilities for aerial surveillance and public safety.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday ordered an anti-drone unit to be made fully operational in the province. Chairing a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee, she said that anti-drone cells should also be established at the district level.
Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code is already in force throughout Punjab, prohibiting the flying of outdoor drones. On March 1, the provincial government imposed the restriction for seven days in light of new security conditions and credible threat alerts indicating risks to public peace and order.
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Under the order issued under the Criminal Procedure Act, the government imposed a blanket ban on public drone use, while law enforcement and intelligence agencies remain exempt. Citizens have been urged to observe the restriction.
The move to install the anti-drone systems comes amid violent protests that erupted across Pakistan following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike on the Islamic Republic.
Protests erupted in Lahore over Khamenei’s reported assassination, with protesters attempting to storm the US consulate and clashing with police. According to police, protesters gathered outside the Lahore Press Club before marching towards the US Consulate in Lahore to register their protest. Some protesters climbed the main gate and tried to set it on fire, prompting policemen to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent them from entering the premises.
