LAHORE: The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) claimed to have carried out effective drone surveillance operations across the province, using advanced, technology-enabled drones for real-time crime monitoring and identifying civic issues.

The authority says that over the past 24 hours, drone surveillance identified multiple violations, including kite flying, open manholes, encroachments, illegal parking, smog and environmental pollution, besides pointing out crime hotspots.

Using the drones’ footage, the teams of the relevant wings/departments acted timely and responded to the violations being committed at the identified points.

According to a PSCA spokesperson, the drones identified violations of the Anti-Kite Flying Act and such activities were immediately reported to the relevant police to initiate action.

Similarly, drone monitoring in Raiwind and surrounding areas detected smoke emissions from local factories, prompting immediate action by the authorities concerned.

In response to a call received on the police’s 15 helpline, the PSCA drone team gave a prompt response to a fire incident at Faysal Bank, Shah Alam Market, and carried out a joint operation, in coordination with Rescue 1122 service.

In Multan, the drone surveillance identified smoke emissions from brick kilns, leading to immediate legal action by the relevant departments.

Additionally, monitoring of crime hotspots in Multan resulted in the identification of suspicious activities.

In Gujrat, drone monitoring at Prince Chowk detected illegal parking and traffic police were immediately informed of the issue.

Meanwhile, in Sialkot, the PSCA identified crime hotspots and civic issues during drone surveillance at Syedan Road, Marakiwal and Kalma Chowk.

The PSCA claims that the drone surveillance helped identify the traffic routes affected by snowfall in Murree, and all critical points were promptly cleared.

Similarly, drone operations in Okara and Dera Ghazi Khan resulted in the identification of crime hotspots and traffic violations.

According to the PSCA, drone surveillance is playing a vital role in timely identification of suspicious activities, crime tracing and prevention.

It says that the authority remains committed to ensuring public safety, reducing crime, and providing effective support to law enforcement agencies.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2026