The move comes amid Section 144 restrictions on the use of drones and protests following Khamenei’s assassination.
LAHORE:
In a first in the country, the Punjab government has decided to set up dedicated anti-drone units in each district of the province, marking a significant step towards modernizing police capabilities for aerial surveillance and counter-terrorism.
The newly formed units will carry out aerial surveillance in their respective districts using fleets of specialized drones. An anti-drone system equipped with jammers capable of disabling hostile or unauthorized drones will also be deployed.
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Both anti-drone units and systems will operate under the direct supervision of the respective District Police Officer (DPO), with drones and surveillance equipment assigned in accordance with operational requirements.
The decision was taken in accordance with the modern demands of combating terrorism and efforts to maintain law and order. Officials said the move reflects a broader push to strengthen police capacity for aerial surveillance and public safety.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday ordered an anti-drone unit to become fully operational in the province. Chairing a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee, he said anti-drone cells should also be established at the district level.
Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code is now in force throughout Punjab, prohibiting the flying of drones in the open air. On March 1, the provincial government imposed the restriction for seven days in view of emerging security conditions and credible threat alerts indicating risks to public peace and order.
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According to the order issued under the Criminal Procedure Code, the government imposed a blanket ban on public use of drones, while law enforcement and intelligence agencies remain exempt. Citizens have been urged to comply with the restriction.
The move to establish anti-drone systems came amid violent protests that erupted across Pakistan after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel strike against the Islamic Republic.
Protests broke out in Lahore over Khamenei’s alleged assassination, with protesters attempting to storm the US consulate and clashing with police. According to the 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 up to the main door and tried to set it on fire, prompting law enforcement to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent them from entering the premises.
