In a major technological advancement in counterterrorism and modern policing, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police has integrated province-wide surveillance drones and anti-drone systems into the Safe City Peshawar Command and Control Centre, significantly enhancing its capacity to monitor security operations and counter emerging aerial threats.
The initiative marks a major step towards transforming policing capabilities through advanced surveillance technology, centralised monitoring and specialised counter-drone expertise, enabling senior police officers to monitor live operational developments across the province.
DIG Ijaz Ahmad, Director of the KP Safe Cities Project, announced that anti-drone systems installed in Peshawar and other districts have been connected to the central Command and Control Centre.
Under the integrated system, live video feeds from police surveillance drones operating anywhere in the province, including during police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) operations, can be monitored centrally.
This capability will provide senior police leadership with real-time situational awareness, facilitate timely intelligence sharing and strengthen coordination between field formations and command authorities.
DIG Ijaz Ahmad said the system would also enable the prompt detection and neutralisation of hostile quadcopters and drones, addressing the growing security threats posed by the use of unmanned aerial systems by terrorist networks.
Modern anti-drone systems have already been deployed in Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Bannu to counter evolving aerial threats. Anti-drone guns have also been provided to police personnel deployed in remote and sensitive areas, enhancing their capacity to respond to hostile drone activity.
The initiative reflects the growing importance of counter-drone capabilities as terrorist organisations increasingly explore technological means to conduct surveillance, threaten security installations and target law enforcement personnel.
In another significant development, the KP Police has established a specialised human resource division dedicated to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations and counter-drone warfare. Reportedly the first specialised division of its kind established by a police department in Pakistan, the unit has been developed in response to the changing tactics of terrorist organisations, whose use of drones has evolved from basic surveillance and ammunition drops towards increasingly sophisticated aerial threats, including swarm attacks.
Personnel assigned to the division have received specialised training in:
- Modern drone operations and aerial surveillance.
- Intelligence gathering and operational monitoring.
- Counterterrorism applications of UAV technology.
- Protection of sensitive installations.
- Electronic warfare and countermeasures against hostile unmanned aerial vehicles.
An official emphasised that acquiring advanced technology alone was not sufficient; specialised personnel were equally essential to operate these systems and effectively counter emerging threats.
DIG Ijaz Ahmad acknowledged that limited internet connectivity in certain remote areas remained a challenge to province-wide real-time monitoring. He said the KP Police was working in collaboration with the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) to explore solutions and improve connectivity in areas where conventional communication infrastructure remained inadequate. The integration of centralised drone surveillance, anti-drone defence systems and a specialised UAV warfare division represents a significant evolution in the operational capabilities of the KP Police.
As terrorist tactics increasingly incorporate emerging technologies, the ability to detect, monitor and counter aerial threats has become an essential component of modern law enforcement and counterterrorism operations.
By combining advanced technology with specialised human expertise, the KP Police is strengthening its preparedness for the evolving security landscape, enhancing operational coordination and reinforcing its ability to protect police personnel, critical installations and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
