ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan’s largest province of Punjab has decided to establish anti-drone units in all districts of the province, a spokesman said on Friday, as authorities move to strengthen aerial surveillance and counter potential security threats.
The initiative will deploy specialized drone fleets and electronic counter-drone systems across districts, operating under the supervision of district police officers (DPOs), according to a statement issued by the Punjab Home Department.
Pakistan has faced growing aerial security concerns in recent years as drones increasingly feature in regional conflicts.
Tensions with Afghanistan escalated last week with cross-border strikes and reports of drone activity during fighting along the frontier, while the widening conflict involving neighboring Iran has heightened fears of missile and drone threats across the region. In May 2025, Pakistan and India also exchanged drone and missile strikes during a brief military confrontation, underscoring the expanding role of unmanned aerial systems in regional warfare.
“For the first time in the country’s history, decision made to establish ‘Anti-Drone Units’ in all districts of Punjab,” the Punjab Home Department spokesperson said in the statement.
“Anti-Drone Units will monitor the airspace of the district with the help of special drone fleets.”
According to the statement, anti-drone systems will also be deployed in every district and will be capable of disabling hostile or unauthorized drones through electronic jamming technology.
Section 144 is already in force across Punjab on flying outdoor drones, the statement said, adding that the provincial government has imposed a ban on public drone usage in view of security concerns.
Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are exempt from the restriction.
“Public protection, establishment of peace and security, and safeguarding of properties are the Punjab government’s top priorities,” the spokesperson said.
