PESHAWAR: As many as 76 advanced surveillance drones were handed over to police in different districts for counterterrorism operations, intelligence-based policing and emergency response across the province.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed distributed the drones among representatives of 27 districts and seven police units.The drones were given to police of Peshawar, Khyber, Nowshera, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar, Haripur, Swat, Shangla, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Bajaur, Buner, Lower Chitral, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, as well as the SSU, Elite Force, Special Branch, FRP, Police Training College Hangu and the Elite Police Training Centre Nowshera.
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in the most sensitive districts was also given DJI Matrice 400 RTK drones equipped with advanced thermal imaging technology for counterterrorism operations, aerial surveillance and special missions.
Senior police officers, including additional inspectors general, deputy inspectors general, district police officers and representatives of the CTD, Special Branch, Elite Force, Special Security Unit (SSU), Frontier Reserve Police (FRP), Police Training College Hangu and the Elite Police Training Centre Nowshera attended the ceremony at the CPO where drone were given.
IGP Zulfiqar Hameed, on the occasion, said modernising the police force in line with evolving security challenges remained a top priority. He said the newly acquired drones would significantly improve aerial surveillance, intelligence-based operations, search and strike missions, monitoring of sensitive installations and large public gatherings, as well as rescue and relief activities during natural disasters and emergencies.
He added that the thermal technology would enable police to detect and track the movement of militants at night, making counterterrorism operations more effective. He added that the drones offer exceptional speed, extended flight range and enhanced payload capacity, strengthening the operational capabilities of frontline police personnel.
The IGP said the new unmanned aerial vehicles were equipped with high-resolution cameras, multi-sensor systems and artificial intelligence-based autonomous surveillance features, which will improve operational efficiency, rapid response and the safety of police officers.
He also stressed that specialised training was being provided to officers and personnel to ensure the effective use of the new technology. The district police and unit commanders were directed to deploy the drones for counterterrorism operations, crime prevention, surveillance of sensitive areas and the protection of lives and property.
