Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the launch of a new Punjab Anti-Drone Unit initiative to enhance the security and surveillance mechanism in the province. This has been decided during a high-level meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee where officials discussed the prevailing scenario of security and the countering of the new threat in the air.
Officials say that the Punjab Anti-Drone Unit will be fully operational for surveillance of any suspicious drone and enhance coordination among different law-enforcement agencies. The project is part of the provincial government’s effort to modernize the security infrastructure and increase public safety.
District-Level Anti-Drone Cells to Be Established
In the meeting, it was directed to set up anti-drone cells in all districts of Punjab. The units will collaborate closely with law enforcement and other security organizations to help identify, monitor and respond to any unauthorized drone activity.
The district-level cells will enhance the real-time monitoring capability and help in better coordination between law enforcement institutions across Punjab, officials said.
The committee also took the stocktaking of the general law and order situation and discussed the activities of maintaining stability in the sensitive areas.
Tribute Paid to Pakistan Army and Martyrs
Participants of the meeting paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army, especially in connection with Operation Zarb-ul-Haq. Special prayers were offered for martyrs who lost their lives while defending the country.
Officials emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between provincial authorities and national security institutions to ensure long-term peace and stability.
Security Operations Continue Across Punjab
Authorities informed the committee that more than 10,500 illegally residing Afghan nationals had been repatriated as part of ongoing enforcement measures. Daily search and combing operations are also continuing in various districts to improve security conditions.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praised law-enforcement agencies for maintaining public order during recent demonstrations in Lahore and ensuring peaceful arrangements during the holy month of Ramadan.
Rs10 Billion Development Package for Katcha Areas
The Punjab government also announced a major development package worth Rs10 billion for the Katcha region. The package includes:
- Expansion of Safe City infrastructure
- Improvements in education facilities
- Healthcare reforms
- Enhanced digital monitoring systems
The upgraded security structure is to involve some 1,500 security officers and bulletproof vehicles in the region, officials said.
The Punjab Anti-Drone Unit is also set to assist in digital surveillance of the criminal networks working in the remote areas.
Security for Chinese Nationals and AI Traffic System
Maryam Nawaz instructed the authorities to take strict security measures for the Chinese nationals working in Punjab. The new policy will require foreign nationals to be escorted by police when travelling to ensure their safety.
The chief minister also stated that the technology of managing the traffic was being developed by the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in the city of Lahore which was inspired from the modern traffic control technology used in the city of China. The authorities are hoping that the project will alleviate congestion and enhance the monitoring of traffic in urban areas.
Heritage Protection and Infrastructure Projects
At another meeting led by Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz, authorities in a meeting reached the decision in principle that the Mall Road in Lahore should not be used for protest rallies, to ensure that the area retains its historical and heritage values.
The meeting also considered plans for a new bridge to be built connecting the Tomb of Jahangir to a major road under Lahore Heritage Areas Revival (LAHAR) project.
The projects of infrastructure and heritage are designed to uplift the tourism, conserve historical places and enhance the development of urban areas in Lahore, officials said.
