Punjab government has moved into a high-readiness phase with the official activation of the province’s first specialized anti-drone unit. This initiative represents a sophisticated shift in Pakistan’s internal security strategy.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif recently fast-tracked the project, which operates on a dedicated budget of Rs 3 billion. The move follows a surge in unregulated aerial activity and evolving security challenges along the provincial borders.
Chief Minister Activates Provincial Anti-Drone Unit
In a high-level security meeting held on March 4, 2026, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed officials to make the anti-drone unit fully operational without delay. This directive transforms the project from a strategic plan into an active defense department.
The unit’s primary mission is to monitor Punjab’s airspace and neutralize unauthorized drones. This is particularly critical for protecting sensitive infrastructure, including government installations, airports, and military sites.
Authorities have integrated this unit into a broader security framework. This includes the establishment of specialized anti-drone cells at the district level to ensure localized response capabilities across the province.
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New Security Measures and Drone Bans
Parallel to the unit’s activation, the Punjab Home Department enforced a 30-day ban on all outdoor drone flying starting February 25, 2026. This ban was issued under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
The government cited “credible reports” of potential risks to public safety as the reason for the restriction. Only law enforcement and intelligence agencies are exempt from this outdoor flight prohibition.
By February 28, 2026, the federal government extended these restrictions nationwide. This broader ban reflects a growing concern over the misuse of drone technology for remote attacks and reconnaissance.
Technological Arsenal: Radar and Directed Energy
The anti-drone unit utilizes a multi-layered technological defense system to secure the skies. Six advanced radar stations are being positioned to monitor low and medium-altitude airspace across Punjab.
These stations detect suspicious drone movements in real-time. Once the system identifies a threat, the unit employs signal-jamming technology to disrupt the drone’s control link.
For high-risk scenarios, the unit is equipped with directed-energy systems. These high-tech beams can physically disable a flying object by targeting its internal electronic components, forcing an immediate landing.
This hardware is complemented by sophisticated tracking software. The system can identify the takeoff point of a rogue drone, allowing ground teams to locate operators within minutes of a detection.
Digital Scanners and Ground Infrastructure
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also ordered the installation of advanced digital scanners at all entry and exit points of the province. This measure aims to prevent the physical smuggling of illicit drone hardware into Punjab.
The ground-level strategy includes specially trained mobile response teams. These units are stationed at strategic intervals to intercept aerial threats and secure large public gatherings or sensitive government offices.
Furthermore, the provincial government is establishing a dedicated cybercrime cell to work alongside the anti-drone unit. This cell will focus on tracking the digital footprints of drone smugglers and terrorist networks.
Addressing the Smuggling Crisis
The urgency behind these measures is supported by alarming data from 2025. Reports indicate that at least 272 drones were neutralized or seized along the border regions during that year alone.
Smugglers have used sophisticated drones to transport narcotics, weapons, and ammunition. Authorities noted that many of these drones were programmed to return to their origin if their signals were jammed.
The new unit is specifically designed to counter these automated flight paths. By utilizing advanced interception technology, Punjab Police can now capture these devices for forensic analysis rather than simply driving them away.
Budget Utilization and Vision 2026
The Rs 3 billion budget covers the procurement of vehicle-mounted anti-drone systems and handheld jamming guns. This investment is part of the “Vision 2026” security upgrade for the province.
Punjab is also seeking additional funding from the federal government to acquire more systems for the 2026-2027 financial year. The goal is to create a seamless electronic shield over the entire province.
This modernization effort places Punjab at the forefront of aerial security in Pakistan. The integration of rapid response teams ensures that technology is always backed by immediate physical intervention on the ground.
Future-Proofing Punjab’s Airspace
The activation of the anti-drone unit marks a turning point in how provincial governments manage local airspace. As drone technology becomes more accessible, the risks to public order have increased exponentially.
The combination of a 30-day flight ban and high-tech interception capabilities provides a robust deterrent. It signals a zero-tolerance policy toward unregulated drone activity in sensitive zones.
As the unit reaches full operational capacity, officials expect a significant drop in illegal drone incursions. The project serves as a model for other provinces looking to modernize their security infrastructure in the face of 21st-century threats.