The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police has taken a historic technological step by establishing Pakistan’s first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Division, aimed at strengthening aerial surveillance and counterterrorism operations across the province.
Officials said the newly formed drone division will function as a fully operational wing dedicated to intelligence gathering, monitoring sensitive areas and supporting ground forces during security operations.
Under the new framework, ground control stations have been established in all districts of the province, enabling coordinated aerial monitoring and real-time surveillance. Authorities say the system will allow law enforcement agencies to track suspicious movement, monitor difficult terrain and respond quickly to emerging security threats.
The initiative also includes forensic examination of hostile drones, particularly those shot down during counterterrorism operations. According to officials, the new UAV division will analyze such drones to identify their origin, technological design and operational patterns, an effort that could help investigators trace militant supply networks and tactics.
A major component of the program is the establishment of a modern innovation center at the Elite Police Centre in Nowshera. The facility will focus on research and development aimed at achieving self-reliance in drone technology, allowing the police force to develop indigenous capabilities rather than relying solely on imported systems.
Officials described the move as part of a broader effort to modernize policing in the province, especially in areas affected by militancy and cross-border security challenges.
Training has also begun at the School of Tactics, where police personnel are being instructed in advanced drone operations, surveillance techniques and aerial reconnaissance procedures. The training program is expected to create a specialized cadre of UAV operators capable of supporting intelligence-driven operations.
Meanwhile, interviews are underway for the appointment of the first head of the UAV division, with the selection process being supervised by the Deputy Inspector General of Safe City Peshawar.
Security analysts believe the initiative could significantly enhance situational awareness for law enforcement agencies operating in difficult mountainous terrain, where conventional patrol methods often face logistical challenges.
Officials say the step is also likely to encourage other provinces to adopt similar technologies as Pakistan’s policing system increasingly integrates modern surveillance tools.
The new UAV division, authorities added, is expected to play a vital role in improving intelligence-based policing and strengthening efforts to maintain peace and security through advanced technological capabilities
