PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police on Tuesday inducted 76 advanced drones into service to strengthen aerial surveillance and intelligence-based operations across the province, with officials saying the move would enhance the force’s ability to combat terrorism and organised crime.
According to the Central Police Office, the drones have been distributed among seven specialised police units operating in 27 districts, while the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in sensitive districts has also received additional surveillance drones.
The newly inducted unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are equipped with high-resolution cameras, multi-system sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and thermal imaging technology to improve operational effectiveness.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said the induction of the advanced drones would significantly enhance the force’s aerial surveillance capacity and make intelligence-based counterterrorism operations more effective.
He said the thermal imaging-equipped drones would enable police personnel to detect the movement of militants during night-time operations, improving response capabilities in sensitive areas.
The IGP said integrating modern technology into policing was a key step towards building a more capable force and aligning the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police with evolving security challenges. He added that AI-enabled drone technology would substantially improve intelligence gathering and operational planning across the province.
According to the Central Police Office, the drones have been deployed in Peshawar, Khyber, Nowshera, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar, Haripur, Swat, Shangla, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Bajaur, Buner, Lower Chitral, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and other operational areas.
A special ceremony marking the induction of the drone fleet was held at the Central Police Office in Peshawar.
Police officials said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise the force, strengthen intelligence-based policing and improve operational capabilities against terrorism and organised crime across the province.