The Punjab government has approved the formation of a dedicated drone squad to strengthen law enforcement, improve public safety, and assist in traffic management across the province. A total of 159 advanced drones with night‑vision cameras will be procured. Out of these, 20 drones will be deployed in Lahore, 98 across various tehsils, and 41 at district-level operations. This marks a significant expansion of Punjab’s surveillance and monitoring capabilities.
Purpose and Tasks of the Drones
The drones are expected to serve multiple functions. They will monitor crime hotspots, assist in traffic management, detect illegal encroachments, and help prevent accidents. The project aims to enable real-time surveillance, allowing authorities to respond quickly to incidents and improve overall civic safety in the province.
Integration with Safe Cities Authority
Trained personnel from the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) will operate the drones. All drones will be connected to the live Safe Cities monitoring system, ensuring that law enforcement and traffic management teams receive real-time data. This integration allows for efficient coordination between drone operators and on-ground personnel.
Ongoing Drone Surveillance in Punjab
Punjab has already been using 24/7 drone monitoring in several districts for traffic violations, encroachments, and law-and-order issues. The addition of the new drone squad will expand these capabilities and strengthen surveillance coverage across more areas of the province.
Significance and Expected Impact
Officials say the drone squad is part of broader efforts to enhance public safety, crime prevention, and civic management. With advanced night-vision technology and real-time monitoring, the initiative is expected to improve law enforcement efficiency, reduce crime, and streamline traffic management in Punjab.
