The move comes amid Article 144 restrictions on the use of drones and protests following Khamenei’s assassination
LAHORE:
In a first for the country, the Punjab government has decided to create dedicated anti-drone units in every district of the province, marking an important step towards modernizing law enforcement capabilities in aerial surveillance and counter-terrorism.
The newly formed units will carry out aerial surveillance in their respective districts using specialized drone fleets. An anti-drone system equipped with jammers capable of neutralizing hostile or unauthorized drones will also be deployed.
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The anti-drone units and systems will operate under the direct supervision of the concerned District Police Officer (DPO), with drones and surveillance equipment allocated based on operational needs.
The decision was taken in accordance with modern requirements of the fight against terrorism and efforts to maintain public order. Authorities said the move reflected a broader push to strengthen police capabilities in aerial surveillance and public safety.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday ordered an anti-drone unit to be fully operational in the province. Chairing a meeting of the Provincial Supreme Committee, she said anti-drone cells should also be created at the district level.
Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code is already in force across Punjab, banning drone flying outdoors. On March 1, the provincial government imposed the restriction for seven days due to the 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 Code, the government imposed a blanket ban on the public use of drones, while law enforcement and intelligence agencies remain exempt. Citizens were asked to respect the restrictions.
The decision to establish anti-drone systems comes amid violent protests that erupted across Pakistan following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike against the Islamic Republic.
Protests erupted in Lahore following Khamenei’s alleged assassination, with demonstrators attempting to storm the US consulate and clashing with police. According to police, the protesters gathered in front of the Lahore Press Club before marching towards the US Consulate in Lahore to register their protest. Some protesters climbed the main gate and attempted to set it on fire, prompting police to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent them from entering the premises.
