KP Police deploy 76 AI-powered drones to boost counterterrorism operations

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police on Tuesday inducted 76 advanced drones into service to strengthen aerial surveillance and intelligence-based operations across the province, with officials saying the move would enhance the force’s ability to combat terrorism and crime.

The drones have been distributed among seven specialised units operating in 27 districts, while the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in sensitive districts has received additional surveillance drones, according to the Central Police Office.

The newly inducted unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are equipped with high-resolution cameras, multi-system sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

Enhanced surveillance capabilities

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed said the acquisition of the advanced drones would significantly improve the force’s aerial surveillance capacity and make counterterrorism operations more effective.

He added that drones equipped with thermal imaging technology had been procured for frontline police units, enabling officers to detect the movement of militants during the night.

The IGP said integrating modern technology into policing was an important step towards building a more capable force and aligning the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police with contemporary security requirements. He added that the AI-enabled drone technology would bring substantial improvements to intelligence-based operations across the province.

Drones distributed across 27 districts

According to the Central Police Office, the drones have been supplied to 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 and Tank.

A special ceremony marking the induction of the new drone technology into the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police was held at the Central Police Office in Peshawar.

Officials said the deployment formed part of efforts to modernise the police force and strengthen its operational capabilities against terrorism and organised crime.