The Punjab government has decided to establish anti-drone units in every district of the province, according to a statement issued by the provincial home department on Friday.
The move follows approval from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz last week. She stressed the need for a proactive security strategy, saying authorities should focus on preventive measures rather than merely responding after terrorist incidents occur.
Under the plan, specialised drone fleets will be deployed to carry out aerial surveillance across districts. Each district will also receive an anti-drone system that will operate under the supervision of the respective district police officer (DPO).
Officials said the number of surveillance drones and anti-drone systems provided will depend on the specific security requirements of each district.
“The anti-drone system will be capable of disabling hostile or unauthorised drones through the use of jamming technology,” the statement said.
According to the home department spokesperson, the initiative is aimed at meeting modern counterterrorism challenges while ensuring law and order across the province. The department added that police capabilities are also being enhanced to strengthen aerial monitoring and improve public safety.
Section 144 remains in force across Punjab.
The decision comes after Afghan Taliban forces reportedly used rudimentary drones to target different parts of the country, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide ban on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Punjab had already enforced a 30-day ban on flying drones and UAVs within the province from February 25. However, the notification clarified that the restriction does not apply to small drones used for indoor coverage in venues such as halls or marquees, nor to drones operated by intelligence and law enforcement agencies.