FOLLOWING the US exit from Afghanistan and the Russia-Ukraine war’s onset, militants picked up new tactics and equipment like drones in southern KP and former Fata, including abandoned military hardware in Afghanistan, posing a challenge to LEAs. KP witnessed over 380 attacks in 2025; Bannu alone faced 300 in which locally modified and commercially available quadcopters were used. In response, KP Police established Pakistan’s first UAV division and issued SOPs covering safety measures and the use of anti-drone systems in militancy-hit areas. Punjab, too, set up ‘district anti-drone units’.

No longer a state monopoly, drones have enhanced militants’ capabilities for reconnaissance and targeting outposts, checkpoints, LEA convoys and patrolling parties. Militants use physical, cyber and air space. Militants’ drone use has impacted the pattern of protection and law enforcement. Terrorist groups — operating as small specialised teams — deploy drones due to their affordability and ease of use. Drones can carry explosives, chemicals or firearms to attack gatherings or infrastructure; they monitor troop movement, assess the impact of attacks and gather real-time intelligence without putting operatives at risk. By fitting drones with........

© Dawn