Govt allocates Rs214m for quadcopters

Drones to aid in counterterrorism, law enforcement operations

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has approved a Rs214 million budget for the acquisition of 27 advanced quadcopters to enhance surveillance and operational capabilities against terrorists and criminals, particularly in challenging terrains like the kutcha area.

The decision follows repeated challenges faced by law enforcement in the kutccha region, where difficult terrain has been described by high-level officials, including IG Punjab Usman Anwar, as a significant obstacle. Over the past decade, Punjab has suffered considerable losses in both resources and lives during operations in kutcha.

Just recently, two elite constables were killed in a confrontation with kutcha dacoits, and a few days prior, an SHO lost his life while on duty in the same region.

Last year, an extensive joint inter-provincial operation was launched against the kutcha dacoits, with the Punjab government alone spending over Rs4 billion.

Although the area was initially cleared, the dacoits resurfaced, particularly during harsh weather conditions when the Indus River's water level rises, hindering law enforcement mobility.

The newly acquired unmanned quadcopters are designed to operate in these challenging circumstances, with the capability to carry and deploy explosives.

According to a Punjab Home Department spokesperson, the cabinet has approved the summary for purchasing these state-of-the-art quadcopters.

Out of the 27, 20 will be allocated to police forces in Attock, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Layyah, DG Khan, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan for surveillance purposes. Additionally, seven quadcopters, capable of carrying and dropping payloads, will be deployed in Mianwali, DG Khan, Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan. These specialised quadcopters can carry up to two 80mm mortar shells and strike targets with precision.

Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal emphasised that all necessary resources are being provided to law enforcement agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes, and these latest quadcopters will significantly aid operations in kutcha and border areas.